Northern Cairngorms

NC for 11.12: Avalanches likely above 900m on SE,S,SW, W to NW aspects. Cross loading N to E aspects. Cornices! Considerable Hazard.

NC for 11.12: Avalanches likely above 900m on SE,S,SW, W to NW aspects. Cross loading N to E aspects. Cornices! Considerable Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Significant drifting mainly through the night, developing more widespread unstable windslab accumulations, avalanches are likely on South-East through South, West to North-West aspects above 900 metres. Areas mostly affected will be steep terrain, such as gully tops and flanks, crag aprons and coire rims. Soft unstable cornices will continue to develop on these aspects. Cross loading will affect other wind sheltered North to East facing slopes. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Strong East-North-East winds will gradually ease and back to become light South-Westerlies by the end of the day. Any snow showers are expected to be occasional and light. The freezing level will fall to around 300 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Snow showers throughout the day on moderate to strong North-Easterly winds. The freezing level was around 600 metres. ObservedSnowStability: A blanket of soft deep snow lies on all aspects; this gains depth with altitude. Deep accumulations of poorly bonded windslab have developed on East through South to West aspects mainly above 950 metres. Areas most affected are steep terrain, such gully tops and flanks, crag aprons and coire rims. Unstable cornices continue to develop on these aspects. Cross loading has affected other wind sheltered Northerly facing slopes; in particular North-West. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.