Southern Cairngorms

SC 27.1.24 Snow thawing all levels. Stability suspect around gully tops N through E to SE aspects, 950m. Avalanche hazard Moderate

SC 27.1.24 Snow thawing all levels. Stability suspect around gully tops N through E to SE aspects, 950m. Avalanche hazard Moderate

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will start to thaw at all levels. Stability of recently formed windslab will become poor. Greatest hazard will be found in steeper, wind sheltered locations on North through East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. Gully exits and corrie rims will be particularly affected. Elsewhere the snow will soften but remain generally well bonded. Recently formed cornices will be prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Freezing levels will rise to around the higher summits for most of this forecast. Precipitation will fall as a mix of snow or rain, forecasted amounts are quite light. Gale force South-Westerlies throughout. Observed Weather Influences: A cold day with the freezing level lifting to around 600 metres by lunchtime. Occasional snow flurries with very strong winds from the West. ObservedSnowStability: The majority of the snow has refrozen and is firm, often icy where exposed to the winds. Unstable windslab has developed on North through East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. Wind sheltered steeper terrain such as gully tops and scarp slopes are most affected. New soft cornices are developing. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.