Northern Cairngorms

NC for 7.12.23. Weak windslab on W,NW,N,NE,E aspects abv 700m, avalanches will occur. Hazard Considerable.

NC for 7.12.23. Weak windslab on W,NW,N,NE,E aspects abv 700m, avalanches will occur. Hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Significant drifting will continue to rapidly build poorly bonded windslab onto Westerly through North to Easterly aspects above 700 metres where avalanches are likely. Coire rims, Gully\'s and crag aprons will be most affected. Below this level weak windslab will build in wind sheltered places. Cornices will build and be prone to sudden collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: Storm force South-South-Easterly winds will continue throughout the forecast period. Freezing level at around 400m overnight will steadily rise to around 1000m by the end of the day. Heavy precipitation throughout the day falling as snow initially at all levels before turning to rain to around 900m by the end of the forecast period. Observed Weather Influences: Southerly winds steadily increasing in strength to strong to Gale force with significant drifting of lying snow. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable accumulations of windslab, continues to build in wind shelters places, this overlies an unconsolidated snowpack. Evidence of cracking and failing of the new windslab on this layer was observed during field tests. Steep locations such as Coire rims, Gully\'s and crag aprons on West through North to Easterly aspects above 700m are especially affected. Below this level weak windslab is present in wind sheltered places. The avalanche hazard is Considerable