Northern Cairngorms

NC for 8 12. Unstable windslab on W,NW,N,NE,E aspects abv 700m where avalanches are likely.

NC for 8 12. Unstable windslab on W,NW,N,NE,E aspects abv 700m where avalanches are likely.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable Windslab will continue to build overnight mostly above 900m on West through North to Easterly aspects. Above 700m on same aspects windslab, present in steep wind sheltered places will become increasingly unstable, Coire rims, Gully\'s and crag aprons most affected where avalanches are likely. Cornices will be prone to sudden collapse. Some stabilisation will gradually take place in the snowpack as the day progresses at lower elevations. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: Overnight and during Friday the freezing level will rise to 12-1400m. Precipitation will be heavy overnight easing during the day falling as rain at all levels except for the highest tops were it will be sleety rain. Storm force South-Easterly winds will continue during thursday evening easing during the day to strong to fresh. Observed Weather Influences: Storm force South-Easterly winds throughout the day above 600m. Heavy precipitation falling as snow initially above 400m then rain to around 800m as the freezing level rose. Significant drifting of lying snow continued. ObservedSnowStability: Significant drifting has continued to build poorly bonded windslab onto Westerly through North to Easterly aspects mostly above 600 metres. Steep wind sheltered places such as Coire rims, Gully\'s and crag aprons most affected. Below this level weak windslab is present in steep wind sheltered places such as gullies and banks. Weak cornices have on same aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable