Southern Cairngorms

SC 12/03 Unstable windslab-NW to NE aspects above 900m. Moderately bonded below 900m and on E,SE,S,SW,W aspects.Av Haz Considerable

SC 12/03 Unstable windslab-NW to NE aspects above 900m. Moderately bonded below 900m and on E,SE,S,SW,W aspects.Av Haz Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: Snowfall and redistribution of existing deposits will rapidly form unstable windslab in wind sheltered locations on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Localised accumulations will also develop in steeper, wind sheltered locations below 900 metres. Moderately bonded accumulations will persist in some wind sheltered locations on East through South to West aspects above 900 metres. Thaw conditions will start to affect the area later. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall to glen level, during the evening and overnight, easing to give a dry morning. Further light snowfall at the highest summit level only during the afternoon will quickly turn to sleet, then rain at all levels. Moderate South-South-Easterly winds overnight, becoming fresh South-Westerly during the day. 350 metre freezing level overnight, rising to 1000 metres by mid-morning and then going over the summits by mid-afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: A dry, bright and sunny day with light Easterly winds in the morning; increasing from light to moderate during the afternoon. Freezing level around 500 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab is present in wind sheltered locations on mainly East through South to South-West aspects, and to a lesser extent on West aspects, above 900 metres. Steeper locations such as gully tops and sharply defined corrie rims are worst affected. Many locations have shallow, soft snow, with some exposed locations presenting firm or scoured snow. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.