Creag Meagaidh

CM for 31/01: New windslab development above 800m on N to E aspects, with cornices developing above these aspects. Considerable Haz.

CM for 31/01: New windslab development above 800m on N to E aspects, with cornices developing above these aspects. Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Further areas of windslab are expected to develop above 800 metres on North to Easterly aspects. Areas most affected will be steep, sheltered gully flanks and exits. Cornices above these aspects will continue to develop. Better snow stability on wind scoured slopes and ridges of other aspects, where areas of old snow will be hard, re-frozen and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: A series of frontal systems with fluctuating temperatures will bring a variety of rain, sleet and snow to all elevations overnight. These will become more wintry, with frequent snow showers over the period, as the freezing level falls back to around 400 metres during the day. The winds, South-Westerly at first will become West-South-West, then West and remain strong throughout the period. Observed Weather Influences: Fresh snow overnight was accompanied by some very strong Westerly winds, which eased from first light. The day, for the most part has been dry and bright, the freezing level stayed just below summits. ObservedSnowStability: Pockets of fresh windslab exist on very steep, sheltered North through East to South-Easterly aspects. Although the new deposits were seen to be consolidating rapidly at lower elevations, above 800 metres weaknesses were noted between the new, most recent layers. Some new cornice development was also noted around coire rims of the above aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.