Northern Cairngorms

NC for 05.03.Unstable windslab on NW-NE above 900m. E and W aspects affected by crossloading. Cornices fragile. Haz. Considerable.

NC for 05.03.Unstable windslab on NW-NE above 900m. E and W aspects affected by crossloading. Cornices fragile. Haz. Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will persist and accumulate further, mainly on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 meters. This will mainly affect steep wind sheltered locations such as gully tops, coire rims and crag aprons. Cornices will be fragile and prone to collapse. West and East aspects will also be affected by cross-loading. At lower elevations there will be isolated accumulations of windslab, this will be mostly avoidable and lie on bare ground. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Storm force mainly South-Easterly winds overnight will ease slightly during the day and veer to become gale force, South-South-Easterly. There will be snow showers overnight and into the morning; however there is uncertainty as to the intensity. Freezing level around 1000 meters. Observed Weather Influences: South-South-Easterly winds increased during the day to become very strong. Cloud was broken around the higher tops. Freezing level around 700 meters. ObservedSnowStability: There continues to be significant drifting of snow which has deposited poorly bonded windslab on mainly North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected are where accumulations have gained depth around gully tops, coire rims and crag aprons. Cornices are fragile and prone to collapse. On other aspects the snowpack tends to be shallow and patchy with isolated areas of windslab. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.