Southern Cairngorms

SC 23.1.24 Avalanches likely on N through E to SE aspects above 800m due to rapid onset thaw. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

SC 23.1.24 Avalanches likely on N through E to SE aspects above 800m due to rapid onset thaw. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to develop mainly on North through East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. Stability will become very poor in the afternoon and avalanches are likely as thaw conditions return with rain at all levels. Stability of any cornices will be suspect. Unstable pockets of snow will also be found on North-West and South aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: The freezing level will remain around 800 metres overnight through until late morning with snow showers falling throughout this period. As the freezing level rises to above the summits, snow will turn to rain at all levels. Gale force winds, backing throughout the period from West-North-West to the South. Observed Weather Influences: An extremely windy day. 124mph gust recorded overnight by the Cairnwell Weather Station (933m). The freezing level lifted above the summits with rain at all levels. By mid morning the freezing level had dropped to around 700 metres with occasional but heavy snow showers throughout the day. ObservedSnowStability: Thaw conditions overnight with further snow loss at lower elevations. New areas of windslab have developed in wind sheltered locations mostly on North through East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. Where accumulations have depth and developed over older snow-ice, stability is poor. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.