Northern Cairngorms

NC for 10.3:Unstable windslab, cornices, later wet snow instabilities - NW to NE aspects above 900m. Cross loading. Considerable Haz

NC for 10.3:Unstable windslab, cornices, later wet snow instabilities - NW to NE aspects above 900m. Cross loading. Considerable Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab and cornices will continue to develop on steep wind sheltered North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. West and East aspects will be affected by cross loading. In these areas, as it turns milder there will be the potential for wet snow instabilities and cornice collapse. Isolated instabilities will affect steep banks below 900 metres. The snowpack will begin to consolidation towards the end of the day. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Light West-South-West winds will begin to increase during the night to become strong to gale force South-South-East, later Southerly during the day. Snowfall expected overnight above 600 metres. Light rain, sleet and later snow at around summit levels from early morning onwards. The 600 metre freezing level will rise to above the summits overnight, remain here for most of the day, before turning cooler through the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Storm force Southerly winds with occasional snow showers above 1000 metres. This turned to heavier sleet and snow through the afternoon. The freezing level was around 1000 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab is present on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Instabilities on West and East aspects due to cross loading. Areas most affected are in steep wind sheltered locations, crag aprons, gully exits coire rims and convexities. Unstable cornices overhang these aspects. Below 900 metres the snowpack is mostly stable and consolidating. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.