Southern Cairngorms

SC 16.03. Snowfall followed by thaw. Unstable windslab on W to N and also E through S to SW aspects above 850m. Av Haz -Considerable

SC 16.03. Snowfall followed by thaw. Unstable windslab on W to N and also E through S to SW aspects above 850m. Av Haz -Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: Snowfall and drifting of existing deposits will rapidly form unstable windslab in wind sheltered locations on West to North aspects above 850 metres, with cross-loading of multi-aspected features occurring. Stability will be further compromised by the onset of thaw conditions. Cornice collapse! Surface instability will be demonstrated by the windslab present in steep, wind sheltered locations on East through South to South-West aspects above 850 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: A period of moderate snowfall overnight, initially above 450 metres, but turning increasingly to rain at all levels as the freezing level rapidly rises above the summits just before daybreak. Further light rain at all levels during the morning and early afternoon. Fresh to strong South-Easterly winds over the summits during the snowfall, moderate Southerlies during the day. Observed Weather Influences: A bright start with summit level cloud arriving during the morning. No precipitation. Moderate Westerly winds. Freezing level was around 550 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Patchy, light snow cover above 450 metres with more extensive, deeper areas above 700 metres. Moderately bonded windslab persists in wind sheltered locations on mainly East through South to South-West aspects above 850 metres. Steep convex slopes, corrie rims and gully tops are most affected. Easier angled terrain, open slopes and exposed locations are generally stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.