Northern Cairngorms

NC for 23.2: Avalanches likely on N, E to SE aspects above 900m. Localised below. Fragile cornices, cross loading. Considerable Haz.

NC for 23.2: Avalanches likely on N, E to SE aspects above 900m. Localised below. Fragile cornices, cross loading. Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will become widespread on North through East to South-Easterly aspects above 900 metres where avalanches are likely. Fragile cornices will develop on these aspects. Below 900 metres localised windslab will build on the same aspects in steep wind sheltered terrain. Steep banks and shallow gullies will be especially affected. Cross loading onto North-West and Southerly aspects. Elsewhere the snowpack will be firm and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Strong to gale force South-Westerly winds throughout the forecast period. Light snowfall overnight, heavy and persistent through the day, falling mostly above 800 metres, then increasingly to glen levels by the end of the day. The freezing level will rise to 900 metres by daybreak, lowering to 400 metres through the day. Observed Weather Influences: Bright spells with occasional blustery snow showers. Winds were strong to gale force, South-West, later Westerly in direction. The freezing level was around 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: After a period of instability during the night the old snowpack is firm stable and well bonded at all altitudes. Isolated accumulations of unstable windslab have developed on North-East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. This is mostly confined to wind sheltered locations such as below coire rims, steep convexities and gully exits. The avalanche hazard is Low.