Northern Cairngorms

NC for 10.1: New windslab Northerly asp. Later wet snow instabilities on NW,N, E to SE asp above 800m. Cornice collapse. Mod Haz.

NC for 10.1: New windslab Northerly asp. Later wet snow instabilities on NW,N, E to SE asp above 800m. Cornice collapse. Mod Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Initially drifting snow will lead to unstable windslab accumulations developing on North-West to North-East aspects above 800 metres, corrie rims and gully tops will be especially affected. As it turns milder wet snow instabilities will develop on steep North-West through North to Easterly aspects mainly above 800 metres. On these aspects cornices will become increasingly unstable and could potentially trigger slopes below. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Overnight Southerly winds will steadily increase, becoming strong to gale force during the day. A dry night followed by the arrival of light snow, this will turn to light sleet and rain at all levels by the afternoon. Overnight the 900 metre freezing level will rise to well above the summits and remain so for the duration of the day. Observed Weather Influences: A cold mostly sunny day with light South-Westerly winds. Freezing at glen levels first thing before rising to around 800 metres by midday. ObservedSnowStability: Accumulations of old windslab remain on North-West through North to Easterly facing slopes. On these aspects weaknesses persist at depth, these are bridged by firmer surface layers. Greatest instability is above 900m mostly in areas such as below coire rims, scarp slopes, gullies and crag aprons. Below 900m snowpack instabilities are generally isolated and confined to steep banks and shallow gullies. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.