Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Accumulations of unstable windslab will become more widespread above 800 metres on North through East to South-East aspects, more localised on North-West and South aspects due to cross loading. Areas especially affected will be steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, flanks and gully tops. On wind exposed slopes the old snowpack will be firm and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Gale force Westerly winds will back South-South-Westerly and increase to storm force during the early morning, later easing through the afternoon and veering Westerly. Dry conditions expected during the night before the arrival of snowfall from early morning onwards. The freezing level will rise from 600 metres to 1000 metres for a short time before steadily falling back to 600 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Periods of squally heavy snow showers on gale force Westerly winds. The freezing level was around 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Accumulations of unstable windslab have developed on North through East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. Areas most affected are wind sheltered locations such as ridge flanks, coire rims and gully tops. Fragile cornices have developed on these aspects. Elsewhere the old snowpack is firm and stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate