Southern Cairngorms

SC for 1.3. Windslab will build SE-SW aspects above 900 metres. Avalanche Hazard Low.

SC for 1.3. Windslab will build SE-SW aspects above 900 metres. Avalanche Hazard Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: Windslab will accumulate as the day progresses on South-East to South-West aspects above 900 metres. Localised accumulations will contain weaknesses where they overlie the older firm snowpack, e.g. in steep wind sheltered locations, such as coire rims and multi aspect gully tops. Elsewhere there will be a fresh covering of windblown snow above 600 metres. Cornices will start to develop. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow showers are expected overnight, before resuming in the afternoon. The most intense showers will fall above 500 metres initially, and above 600 metres later. Winds will be strong North-Easterly overnight, veering to become moderate Easterlies by the afternoon. The freezing level will be 550 metres rising to a maximum of 700 metres during the day. Observed Weather Influences: A cold and bright day. At midday the freezing level was around 800 metres. Winds were North-Easterly and generally light, increasing to moderate later. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is firm and stable in most locations, with a thin cosmetic covering of light snow. Isolated accumulations of poorly bonded windslab are present on North to East aspects above 900 metres, with additional avoidable pockets on North-West aspects. Locations affected are steep wind sheltered areas, such as coire rims, gully tops and abrupt breaks in slope. The avalanche hazard is Low.