Northern Cairngorms

NC for 18.3: Unstable windslab on NW, N to E aspects above 950 metres. These will begin to consolidate later in the day. Mod. Haz.

NC for 18.3: Unstable windslab on NW, N to E aspects above 950 metres. These will begin to consolidate later in the day. Mod. Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will remain on North to Easterly aspects above 950 metres. During the day there will be some redistribution of snow, leading to new unstable windslab developing on North-West aspects above 950 metres. Areas most affected will be on steep, wind sheltered terrain such as below coire rims, gully exits and crag aprons. As it turns milder these accumulations will begin to consolidate. Elsewhere the snowpack will be firm and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Light snow showers will peter out during the night. Gale force West-South-Westerly winds will ease for a few hours at dawn, gradually increase to gale force through the day, and back to become Southerly in direction. The 500 metre freezing level will rise to above the summits during the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Gale to severe gale force South-Westerly winds. A dry morning with snow showers through the afternoon. The midday freezing level was at 900 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Drifting snow at higher altitudes. New accumulations of unstable windslab have developed on Northerly to Easterly aspects mainly above 1000 metres. Areas most affected are in steep wind sheltered terrain, such as below coire rims, gully exits and crag aprons. A human triggered avalanche occurred on a North aspect above 1000 metres. Elsewhere the snowpack is firm well bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.