Northern Cairngorms

NC for 31.12. Unstable windslab rapidly building W,NW,N and NE aspects above 800 metres. Fresh cornices. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 31.12. Unstable windslab rapidly building W,NW,N and NE aspects above 800 metres. Fresh cornices. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Poorly bonded windslab will be deposited overnight and as the day progresses on West through North-West to North-East aspects above 800 metres. Steep wind sheltered locations, such as coire rims, ridge flanks and gully tops will be most affected. Other aspects will be subject to crossloading. Fresh and unstable cornices will develop above the same aspects. Areas exposed to the wind will be icy, scoured and predominately stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Precipitation overnight is expected to fall as snow showers above 900 metres initially, and later above 750 metres. A dry day will follow with fresh to strong winds from the South-South-East, backing to become Easterly by the end of the period. The freezing level will be around 900 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight, light precipitation fell as snow above 500 metres. After a dry morning precipitation resumed in the afternoon, falling as snow again above around 500 metres. Winds were from the West-North-West initially veering to become storm force South-Easterly by mid morning. The freezing level was around 800 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is generally stable on most aspects and altitudes, featuring a firm crust. Localised deposits of poorly bonded windslab developed mainly during the afternoon on West to North aspects above 850 metres. These were generally confined to wind sheltered locations and steep banks. Areas exposed to the wind are firm, icy and scoured. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.