Northern Cairngorms

NC for 15.3. Windslab on all aspects above 800 metres, building later on N to NW aspects. Avalanches likely! Considerable Hazard.

NC for 15.3. Windslab on all aspects above 800 metres, building later on N to NW aspects. Avalanches likely! Considerable Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Overnight drifting will result in fresh accumulations of windslab on North-East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. By the end of the day accumulations will become widespread and include North-West and North aspects, where avalanches are likely on steep wind sheltered terrain. Cross loading will occur on other aspects, with unstable cornices also developing. Snow cover on windward slopes will become increasingly scoured. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: A predominately dry day is expected with insignificant trace snowfall at the end of the forecast period. Overnight, winds will be Westerly backing to the West-South-West initially, before backing further to the South-South-East. Winds will be very strong overnight, dropping to moderate before increasing to very strong again in the afternoon. The freezing level will gradually rise from 200 metres to around 600 metres later. Observed Weather Influences: A mostly dry afternoon after snow showers fell at all elevations in the morning. Winds were Very Strong overnight, mainly from the West-North-West backing to the West. During the day winds were fresh in strength and mainly from the North-North-West. The freezing level rose to around 300 metres by the afternoon. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab became more widespread overnight, and now lies on East through South-East to South-West aspects, showing greater instability above 800 metres. Cross loading has resulted in localised deep accumulations on the remaining aspects above 800 metres. A blanket of fresh snow continues to lie from glen level upwards. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.