Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to be deposited in steep wind sheltered areas such as gully tops, coire rims and crag aprons. The greatest instability will be present on North-East and East aspects above 950 metres, with additional cross loaded deposits on North and South-East aspects. Elsewhere the snowpack will be stable with a very firm and icy surface. Cornices will be fragile, particularly as temperatures rise at the end of the day. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Precipitation is expected throughout the forecast period. Initially this will fall as snow above 400 metres overnight, gradually turning to rain, with snow confined to above 800 metres in the afternoon. Winds will be gale force and from the West-South-West. The freezing level will be around 600 metres rising to 1800 metres by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: Snow fell overnight followed by snow showers during the day above 700 metres. Winds were gale to storm force South-South-Westerly during the day. The freezing level was around 800 metres, rising briefly to summit level in the early hours of the morning. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab continued to accumulate throughout the period on North to East aspects above 950 metres. Steep wind sheltered areas such as gully tops and coire rims are affected, with additional cross loaded deposits present on North-West to South-East aspects. Avalanche debris was present on these aspects in the morning. New fresh cornices are fragile and present the threat of collapse, while wind exposed slopes are very firm and icy. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.