Northern Cairngorms

NC for 22.2: Mild then cold. Instabilities on N,E,S aspects above 900m. Stabilising through the day; here also new windslab Mod Haz.

NC for 22.2: Mild then cold. Instabilities on N,E,S aspects above 900m. Stabilising through the day; here also new windslab Mod Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Initially, instabilities will remain within recent windslab accumulations. Cornice collapse will also be a potential hazard mainly during the rise in temperature. Areas most affected will be steep and convex North through East to South aspects above 900 metres. On these aspects new accumulations of windslab will develop mostly around coire rims. As it turns cooler from day break onwards the old snowpack will begin to consolidate. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Gale to storm force Southerly winds overnight, becoming strong Westerly through the day. A dry night followed by snow at summit levels, these will become scattered, light, falling above 400 metres during the day. The freezing level will rise to above the summits overnight, then lower to 600 metres where it will remain for the duration of the day. Observed Weather Influences: Light snow showers on strong West-North-Westerly winds. The freezing level was around 900 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab is present in steep wind sheltered locations. Above 900 metres these accumulations are most widespread on North-East to South-East aspects, more localised on North and South facing slopes. Fragile cornices overhang these areas. Better stability below 900 metres. Elsewhere the old snowpack is mostly scoured, firm and stable. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.