Northern Cairngorms

NC for 16/01. Cold with NW winds. Area of windslab, generally not extensive, on NE to S aspects above 800m. Moderate hazard.

NC for 16/01. Cold with NW winds. Area of windslab, generally not extensive, on NE to S aspects above 800m. Moderate hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Localised accumulations of poorly bonded windslab will develop on North-East through East to South aspects above 800 meters. These are not expected to be particularly extensive with wind-sheltered gully tops and coire rims being most affected. Isolated windslab accumulations will be present on other aspects due to cross-loading. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Strong West-North-West wind will back becoming West by the end of the period. Dry overnight and in the morning with light snow in the afternoon. Freezing at all levels. Observed Weather Influences: It was a cold day with summit temperatures of around minus ten degrees Celsius. After some light overnight snow showers it was dry through the day. There was a strong breeze from the North-West. ObservedSnowStability: Localised accumulations of moderately bonded windslab have developed in wind sheltered locations such as coire rims and the tops of gullies. Most affected are East to South aspects above 800 meters. On other aspects above 800 metres there tends to be a widespread friable crust and stability is better. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.