Northern Cairngorms

NC for 24.2: Avalanches likely on steep N to E aspects above 900m. Localised below and NW,SW aspects. Cornices! Considerable Hazard.

NC for 24.2: Avalanches likely on steep N to E aspects above 900m. Localised below and NW,SW aspects. Cornices! Considerable Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will become widespread on Northerly to Easterly aspects above 900 metres where avalanches are likely. Areas mostly affected will be where deep accumulations develop within steep terrain. Fragile cornices will overhang these areas. Unstable windslab on the same aspects below 900 metres, terrain features such as steep banks and shallow gullies will be affected. Cross loading will affect North-West and South-East aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall will continue at all levels overnight, rising to above 200 metres during the day. Strong winds will be from the South-West or West-South-West. The freezing level will fluctuate between 300 and 500 metres. Observed Weather Influences: A stormy day with heavy rain falling as snow above 700 metres. Winds were gale to storm force South-Westerly in direction. The freezing level was around 800 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab has developed on North to East aspects above 900 metres. The greatest instability is where accumulations have gained depth in steep, wind sheltered terrain. On these aspects below 900 metres, wet snow instabilities including glide cracks were observed on steep banks. Localised windslab has developed on other aspects due to cross loading. Elsewhere the snowpack is stable or the ground is wind scoured and bare. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.