Southern Cairngorms

SC 30.12.22 Unstable windslab will develop on NW, N to E aspects above 900m in sheltered locations. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

SC 30.12.22 Unstable windslab will develop on NW, N to E aspects above 900m in sheltered locations. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Deeper accumulations of unstable windslab will develop, mainly on North-West through North to East aspects above 900 metres. Steep wind sheltered locations such as corrie rims and gully tops will be most affected. Cornices will also continue to develop in these locations. Snowcover exposed to the winds will remain firm and often icy. At lower levels occasional deeper drifts of thawing snow will be encountered in any lee locations. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Freezing levels will rise briefly from dawn to around the higher summits before dropping back to 900 metres for most of the day. Snowfall, heaviest overnight at all levels, becoming restricted to above 800 metres or so. Winds, occasionally strong, some Southerly but mostly South-West. Observed Weather Influences: A bright start with cloud and light snow showers around the tops from mid-morning. The freezing level was up to 950 metres overnight before dropping back to around 700 metres early morning. Fresh winds from the North-East throughout. ObservedSnowStability: The majority of the snow is firm and icy, particularly where exposed to recent strong winds or cover is thin. Deepest accumulations are found in wind sheltered locations on West through North to North-East aspects above 900 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low.