Northern Cairngorms

NC for 16.3: Instabilities SE-SW asp, then during afternoon avalanches likely NW-NE asp, all abv. 1000m. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

NC for 16.3: Instabilities SE-SW asp, then during afternoon avalanches likely NW-NE asp, all abv. 1000m. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Initially unstable windslab will continue to develop on South-East to South-West aspects above 1000m. As the day progresses lying snow will be redistributed and new windslab will develop on North-West to North-East aspects mainly above 1000m; this will become increasingly unstable during the afternoon with avalanches likely. Localised windslab also on steep banks below 1000m. Cross loading onto West and East aspects. Fragile cornices will develop. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Light snow showers will clear during the early evening. Strong North-North-West winds will veer and become light Easterly by dawn. During the day South-South-East winds will steadily increase strong, then gale force by mid afternoon. The freezing level will fall to 600 metres and steadily rise to 900 metres during the day. Observed Weather Influences: Snowfall throughout the day on fresh Northerly winds. The freezing level at midday was around 900 metres. ObservedSnowStability: There is a covering of new snow above 600 metres. Localised accumulations of moderate and poorly bonded windslab have developed on South-East to South-West aspects above 1000 metres. Fragile cornices have also developed on these aspects. Cross loading has affected Northerly aspects. The greatest instability is in wind sheltered steep locations such as gully exits, crag aprons and coire rims. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.