Northern Cairngorms

NC for 21.01 Avalanches likely on NW, N, E, SE aspects above 900m. Deep weaknesses will persist. Considerable hazard.

NC for 21.01 Avalanches likely on NW, N, E, SE aspects above 900m. Deep weaknesses will persist. Considerable hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Initially new accumulations of windslab will develop mainly above 600 metres. Greatest instability will be found in steep wind sheltered locations on North-West through North to East aspects above 900 metres where avalanches are likely. The existing dense snowpack will start to consolidate; however snowpack weaknesses will remain at depth. On these aspects recent windslab accumulations and cornices will become increasingly unstable in the afternoon. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Storm force winds, initially from the South will veer South-Westerly before backing South-East. Overnight heavy summit snow will clear to leave a mainly dry day before becoming established once again in the afternoon. The freezing level will remain above the summits initially for a few hours before lowering to 600 metres. It will remain here until midday when it will rise to 2000 metres. Observed Weather Influences: A mostly dry day with the freezing level rising to around 1000 metres by midday. Gale force winds from the South-West with occasional stronger gusts, especially in exposed locations. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab continues to build in wind sheltered locations mainly on North through East to South-East aspects above 1100 metres. On these aspects above 900 metres dense windslab is currently overlying weaknesses at depth. A human triggered avalanche was observed on a steep North-East aspect starting at 1100 metres. At lower elevations the snowpack is slowing consolidating. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.