Northern Cairngorms

NC for 15.1: Avalanches likely NE, E to S asp. above 950m, localised below. Instabilities NW, N aspects. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

NC for 15.1: Avalanches likely NE, E to S asp. above 950m, localised below. Instabilities NW, N aspects. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will become deeper and more widespread. Avalanches are likely on steep wind sheltered North-East through East to Southerly aspects above 950m. Unstable windslab will remain on NW to N aspects. On all these aspects, corrie rims, gully exits and crag aprons will be especially affected. In these areas below 950m, unstable windslab will develop on steep banks and shallow gullies. Cross loading will affect other areas. Unstable cornices! The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall during the night, heavy at times, this is expected to clear by mid morning. Very strong West-North-West to North-Westerly winds will increase to storm force overnight before gradually easing through the day. The 700 metre freezing level will steadily fall to 100 metres by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: A dry morning followed by snow showers during the afternoon. Winds were very strong at higher levels, South-Westerly in direction. The freezing level was around 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab has developed on North-West through North-East to South-East aspects above 900 meters. The greatest instability is where these accumulations have gained depth, especially in steep wind sheltered terrain such as, corrie rims, gully tops, scarp slopes, flanks and crag aprons. Fragile cornices overhang these aspects. Elsewhere a thin cover of wind blown snow overlies the old snowpack, which is firm well bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.