Southern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Surface layers will gradually firm up above 800 metres overnight, softening again later as the freezing level rises to the summits. Mostly well bonded, stable conditions. Shallow windslab will start to form in wind sheltered locations on North through East to South-East aspects, initially above 800m, later only above 1000m. New snow amounts are not expected to be significant and will start to consolidate as the freezing level rises. Cornices will be present. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Light snowfall overnight above 800 metres. By late morning precipitation will only fall as light snowfall above 1050 metres. Mainly dry afternoon. Winds will be variable, South-West to Westerly, strong throughout. 800 metre freezing level overnight, rising to 1200 metres by the end of the period. Observed Weather Influences: A cloudy morning with very light precipitation falling as snow above 900 metres, followed by a drier and brighter afternoon. Winds were gale force West, then West-South-Westerly. Freezing level fluctuated around 950 metres. ObservedSnowStability: The snow has continued to consolidate after the recent milder conditions and is now generally well bonded. Surface layers are starting to firm up above 1000 metres, progressively softer and wetter snow at increasingly lower altitudes. Some large cornices remain present. The avalanche hazard is Low.