Southern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Fresh, unstable windslab will form in wind sheltered locations on North-West through North-East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. Small fragile cornices will start to form. Areas most affected will include gully tops and around sharply defined corrie rims, especially in the mountains along the northern boundary of the forecast area. Many places will have shallow snow or firm, wind scoured snow. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Late afternoon on Saturday, snow will turn to rain or sleet on the very highest summits during the early evening. By Sunday morning, light snow will fall to increasingly lower levels as the freezing level drops back down to 600 metres. Very light snow showers will continue through the day above 500 metres. Generally Southerly gale force winds during the evening will veer to become variable strong Westerlies overnight, continuing through the day. Observed Weather Influences: Bright and sunny first thing, with cloud cover developing rapidly during the morning. Dry until early afternoon, when precipitation arrived, falling as snow above 600 metres. Moderate South-South-Westerly winds during the morning, becoming strong South-South-Easterlies by mid-afternoon. Freezing level fluctuating around 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Localised pockets of shallow windslab are present in wind sheltered locations on North through East to South-East aspects above 850 metres. Fresh windslab is starting to form on North-West to North-East aspects above 800 metres. Depth and distribution have yet to become significant. The avalanche hazard is Low.