Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: A period of wet snow instability is expected overnight and into the morning due to rain. During this period there is the potential for \'Wet Snow Slab\' and \'Wet-loose Snow\' avalanches on West through North-West and North to East aspects above 950 metres. Remaining cornices will also be prone to collapse. Later, the snowpack will gradually consolidate, becoming stable as the freezing level lowers to around 950 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Intense precipitation is expected through the night, with a dry to follow. This will fall as rain at all levels, gradually turning to sleet then snow above 950 metres by mid morning. Winds will be storm force Southerlies overnight, veering South-South-Westerly and becoming very strong during the day. The freezing level will be around 2000 metres overnight, dropping to around 1000 metres by morning. Observed Weather Influences: Gale force Southerly winds in the morning, dropping to strong in the afternoon. Snow fell above 900 metres, transitioning to sleet followed by rain to end the period. The freezing level was around 1000 metres at midday, rising above the summits later. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab became more widespread as the day progressed on West through North to North-East aspects above 950 metres. The greatest accumulations are found in steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims and gully tops. Outwith these areas, more isolated accumulations are present on crag aprons of the same aspect. New fragile cornices were observed around coire rims. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.