Northern Cairngorms

NC for 20.12.Localised windslab NE,E,SE aspects above 1000m. Moist then firming up later, stabilising trend. Avalanche Haz Moderate.

NC for 20.12.Localised windslab NE,E,SE aspects above 1000m. Moist then firming up later, stabilising trend. Avalanche Haz Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Localised accumulations of windslab will build overnight on wind sheltered North-East to South-East aspects above 1000 metres. Accumulations will contain weaknesses where deposits achieve depth, or overlie existing old snow, with areas such as coire rims being particularly affected. During the day the snowpack will be soft and moist at all elevations before consolidating to become firm above 900 metres later. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: The freezing level will rise to 1200 metres, before gradually falling to 900 metres by the end of the day. Gale to storm force winds will back from the North-West to become South-Westerly by dawn bringing snow above 900 metres. The wind will veer and become Westerly by the end of the period, with snow being confined to the summits. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight snow from around 300 metres, then a mostly dry day. Winds were generally gale force and from the North-West. The freezing level was around 600 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Localised accumulations of windslab are present on East to South aspects above 900 metres, exhibiting weaknesses where deeper, or where overlying old snow. The old snow is very firm, well bonded and stable. This being confined mostly to coire back walls above 1000 metres. A cosmetic dusting of new snow is present from glen level upwards. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.