Southern Cairngorms

SC 29/3. Existing snowpack consolidating. Isolated shallow windslab forming on NE-SE aspects above 950m, thawing later. Low Hazard.

SC 29/3. Existing snowpack consolidating. Isolated shallow windslab forming on NE-SE aspects above 950m, thawing later. Low Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: The existing snowpack will continue to consolidate and generally stable. Isolated instabilities will develop with unstable windslab forming in wind sheltered locations mainly on North-East to South-East aspects above 950m. Areas most affected will be coire rims and gully tops where existing snow patches remain but amounts are not expected to be deep or extensive. Thaw conditions later in the afternoon with wet snow instabilities developing on similar aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Remaining mainly dry overnight with precipitation initially as snow above 800 metres later in the morning. As the freezing level rises above the summits this will turn to rain at all elevations by late afternoon. The wind will be from Westerly directions, increasing strong to gale force through the day. Observed Weather Influences: A bright and mainly dry day with frequent light snow flurries at higher elevations, the freezing level was around 1000 metres. Strong or very strong South-Westerly winds. ObservedSnowStability: There has been a dusting of new snow at higher elevations with the remaining snow patches especially in shady locations beginning to refreeze. Greatest accumulations remain in North-West through North to North-East aspects above 950 metres. Isolated pockets soft windslab have formed in wind sheltered locations on mainly North-East to South-East aspects above 1000 metres though these are shallow and easily avoidable. Stability is generally good. The avalanche hazard is low.