Northern Cairngorms

NC for 16.12:Drifting.Avalanches likely NW to NE asp. abv. 900m, localised windslab below. Cross loading, cornices. Considerable Haz

NC for 16.12:Drifting.Avalanches likely NW to NE asp. abv. 900m, localised windslab below. Cross loading, cornices. Considerable Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: Initially; unstable windslab will persist on E to S aspects above 900m. Later; drifting snow will form widespread unstable windslab on NW to NE aspects above 900m where Avalanches are likely. Steep terrain, such as; gully tops and flanks, crag aprons and coire rims most affected. Fragile cornices developing. Unstable windslab also building on steep wind sheltered banks below 900m on same aspects. Other aspects will be affected due to cross loading. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: A dry night with light to moderate strength Westerly winds. From day break onwards there will be snowfall on strong Southerly winds. The freezing level will rise to 600 metres by the middle of the day. Observed Weather Influences: A cold day with poor visibility and light North-Westerly winds. Some snow showers through the afternoon. Freezing at all levels. ObservedSnowStability: There is a deep blanket of snow on all aspects and altitudes. On East to South aspects above 900 metres areas of unstable windslab persist. Areas mostly affected are in steep and convex wind sheltered terrain. On these aspects, stability is better at lower altitudes where the snowpack has been less affected by recent winds. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.