Torridon

TO for 13.01. Wind slab instabilities on all aspects above 850 m. S to W aspects improving later. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

TO for 13.01. Wind slab instabilities on all aspects above 850 m. S to W aspects improving later. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Areas of moderately bonded wind slab will develop on steeper wind sheltered terrain affecting gullies, scarp slopes and ridge flanks on most aspects above 850 metres. Later some improving stability can be expected on South to West aspects. Some cornice development can be expected on North to East aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: There will be moderate strength East-South East winds at first, backing Northerly overnight and continuing around the compass to become light South-South-West by the end of the period. Showers will be frequent overnight, dryer in Torridon by the morning but with heavier and more prolonged showers further inland away from the sea. The freezing level will lower overnight and hover around 700 metres. Observed Weather Influences: It was dry and clear first thing deteriorating to poor visibility as early showers began. These showers became frequent, falling as rain below 500 metres. Winds were light from the South-East. The freezing level was around 750 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Shallow areas of moderately bonded windslab have developed on steep, wind sheltered locations, on North-West, through North to East aspects above 850 metres. These isolated instabilities are mainly affecting very steep terrain such as gully tops, coire rims and ridge flanks. There was some cornice growth above these aspects. Elsewhere the old snowpack is bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low.