Northern Cairngorms

NC for 19.12:Rain! Avalanches occurring on many steep W,N to NE asp. abv. 900m. Also unstable between 500 - 900m. Cornices! High Haz

NC for 19.12:Rain! Avalanches occurring on many steep W,N to NE asp. abv. 900m. Also unstable between 500 - 900m. Cornices! High Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will become increasingly unstable especially during the onset of rain. Avalanches will occur on many aspects, especially steep West through North to North-East facing slopes above 900 metres. The snowpack will also become increasingly unstable on these aspects below 900 metres and above 500 metres were avalanches are likely, on steep banks and shallow gully lines. Cornices will be unstable. The avalanche hazard will be High.

Forecast Weather Influences: Gale force South-South-East winds will veer to become Southerly in direction during the day. Generally dry for most of the night. Rain at all levels through the day, this will become heavier from late morning onwards. The freezing level will be well above the summits throughout the forecast period. Observed Weather Influences: A dry morning with the arrival of snow showers through the afternoon. Winds were gale force, South-South-Easterly in direction. The freezing level rose to 700 metres by late morning. ObservedSnowStability: There has been significant drifting above 500 metres. Widespread accumulations of unstable windslab have developed on W through N to NE aspects above 900 metres. Steep terrain such as; gully tops, crag aprons, ridge flanks and coire rims are especially affected. Unstable windslab is also present on steep wind sheltered banks between 500m and 900m. Cross loading has affected many other aspects. A natural avalanche occurred on a NW aspect at 650 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.