Southern Cairngorms

SC for 31.12 Isolated windslab accumulations overnight W,NW asp. abv. 900m. Extensive snow loss and flooding. Avalanche Hazard Low.

SC for 31.12 Isolated windslab accumulations overnight W,NW asp. abv. 900m. Extensive snow loss and flooding. Avalanche Hazard Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: Isolated accumulations of windslab will develop overnight on South-West to North-West aspects above 900 metres. These accumulations will contain weaknesses where they achieve depth and later thaw, particularly in steep terrain on the Northern boundary of the Southern Cairngorms area. Elsewhere, a dusting of new snow will overlie bare ground above 700 metres. Lying snow is expected to rapidly thaw as rain becomes well established by dawn. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Precipitation will initially fall as snow above 600 metres overnight before turning to rain at all levels. Rain is expected during the day, easing slightly towards the end of the period. Winds will be strong South-Easterlies veering to become mostly South-South-Westerly and gale force. The freezing level will be around 700 metres initially rising above the summits during the night. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight rain was followed by isolated light showers in the afternoon, these being confined to the West of the Southern Cairngorms area. The freezing level was around 1000 metres by mid afternoon. Gale force West-South-Westerlies eased during the day to become North-North-Westerly later. ObservedSnowStability: Limited and slowly thawing snow patches are mostly found on North-East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. The greatest extents of remaining snow are found in the high coires of the central Cairngorms massif, North of the River Dee. These are well bonded and stable in all locations. The avalanche hazard is Low.