Southern Cairngorms

SC 20.1.24 Windslab NW, NE to SE aspects above 800m- avalanches likely. Lesser amounts other lee areas. Avalanche haz Considerable

SC 20.1.24 Windslab NW, NE to SE aspects above 800m- avalanches likely. Lesser amounts other lee areas. Avalanche haz Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: Stability will be poor particularly on North to East aspects above 800 metres with avalanches likely in these locations. Fragile cornices will also form above these aspects. Unstable windslab will be present in wind sheltered areas on North-West, South-East and South aspects above 800 metres. Lesser amounts at lower levels. Exposed slopes will be very icy. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: The freezing level will remain around 500 metres overnight with heavy snow forecast. Becoming dry early morning as the freezing level rises above the summits by the end of the day. Strong winds throughout, initially South-West but backing to the South-South-West for most of this period. Observed Weather Influences: A bright start to the day, becoming cloudier around the tops late morning. Dry throughout but with significant drifting in the very strong West-North-Westerlies. A wind speed of 84 mph was recorded at Cairnwell weather station this morning. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab continues to develop in wind sheltered locations mainly on North-East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. Unstable cornices are also forming above these aspects. Moderately bonded accumulations are also present on North and South aspects and in lee locations below 800 metres. Exposed slopes are scoured and very icy. Avalanche debris was noted on a South-East aspect starting around 880 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.