Northern Cairngorms

NC for 28/03. Unstable windslab developing mainly NW to NE above 900m, also W and E. Avalanche Hazard Considerable.

NC for 28/03. Unstable windslab developing mainly NW to NE above 900m, also W and E. Avalanche Hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Redistribution of existing soft snow combined with new snow will cause fresh unstable windslab to develop, through most of the forecast period. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered locations such as gullies and coire rims with a North-West to North-East aspect above 900 metres. West and East aspects will also be affected due to cross loading. New cornices will be fragile. Slopes exposed to the wind will be scoured and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Showers through the morning and early afternoon will fall intially as snow above 700 metres turning to rain below 1200 metres by mid-afternoon. Gale force winds will be mainly Southerly. The freezing level will be around 700 metres in the early part of the night, rising above the summits during the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: A cold, sunny day. The freezing level rose to around 800 metres. Light and variable winds became moderate South-Westerly towards the end of the afternoon. ObservedSnowStability: There is a thin covering of soft snow on many aspects. This overlies a widespread friable crust. Localised accumulations of windslab that exist on steep South-East to South-West aspects above 950 metres are gradually consolidating. Some surface instabilities developed on these aspects in the afternoon. Cornices are prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.