Northern Cairngorms

NC for 14.2 Windslab persists NW to N. New windslab development NW,N,NE later above 900m. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 14.2 Windslab persists NW to N. New windslab development NW,N,NE later above 900m. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Moderately bonded windslab will persist on North-West to North aspects above 900 metres. Additionally, isolated poorly bonded windslab will develop as the day progresses on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Deposits will be mostly shallow and avoidable, but weak as cold temperatures persist. Areas most affected will be wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, gullies and some crag aprons. Elsewhere the snowpack will be firm and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: A dry day is expected. Winds will be strong to very strong and from the South-East veering to the South-South-East later. A stable airmass is expected to bring inversion conditions, however the snow surface will be below zero degrees Celsius from 200 metres upwards. Observed Weather Influences: A dry day with fresh to strong South-Easterly winds. The freezing level was around 600 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Moderately bonded windslab remains present on North-West to North aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected are in steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, gully tops and convexities. Localised cross-loaded deposits are also present elsewhere in gullies, and on crag aprons due to the strong winds. Outwith these areas the snow is firm and stable, while plateau areas are extensively scoured. Fragile cornices remain above some Northerly aspects. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.