Northern Cairngorms

NC for 14.3. Isolated unstable windslab SE,S,SW above 900 metres. Cornices. Stabilising later.

NC for 14.3. Isolated unstable windslab SE,S,SW above 900 metres. Cornices. Stabilising later.

Forecast Snow Stability: Isolated unstable windslab will develop on South-East to South-West aspects above 900 metres, during a period of snowfall and drifting overnight. Accumulations will initially exhibit weaknesses in steep wind sheltered locations, such as coire rims and gully tops, although these weaknesses are expected to diminish later. Elsewhere a fresh dusting of snow will be present from around 400 metres upwards in the morning. Small cornices will also develop. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow showers are expected thought much of the period above 600 metres, with some reaching lower levels. Winds will be North-Westerly strong overnight, veering to the North-North-East and increasing to very strong for a time. The freezing level will be around 600 to 700 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight showers continued into the afternoon, falling as snow above 500 metres, later 800 metres. Winds were generally from the North-North-West and moderate in strength. The freezing level was around 650 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack was observed to be generally stable with the greatest snow cover above 700 metres. Deeper accumulations of snow are present on South-East to South-West aspects above 1000 metres due to snow drift. A fresh dusting of snow was present from around 400 metres upwards in the morning, which was subject to thaw later, particularly on slopes exposed to the sun. The avalanche hazard is Low.