Northern Cairngorms

NC for 23.12: Avalanches likely NE, E to S asp. abv. 900m. Unstable cornices. Stabilising trend later in the day. Considerable Haz.

NC for 23.12: Avalanches likely NE, E to S asp. abv. 900m. Unstable cornices. Stabilising trend later in the day. Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to develop with avalanches likely on North-East through East to South aspects aspects above 900 metres. Areas especially affected will be in steep wind sheltered locations such as gully exits, crag aprons, flanks and coire rims. Cornices will be unstable. Below 900 metres instabilities will be more localised and affect areas such as steep banks and burn lines. As it turns milder the snowpack will begin to consolidate. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Persistent snowfall above 600 metres is expected to peter out during the night. Storm force North-Westerly winds will ease during the day to become strong to gale force South-Westerly. The 500 to 600 metre freezing level is expected to rise to above the summits by mid afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Persistent snowfall throughout the day above 600 metres. Storm force Westerly winds veered to become North-Westerly in direction. The freezing level at midday was around 800 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Widespread accumulations of windslab have developed on North-East through East to Southerly aspects. The greatest instability is on steep, wind sheltered terrain above 950 metres where these accumulations have gained depth. Localised windslab has developed on steep banks below 950 metres; here stability is generally better. Fragile cornices also present on these aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.