Northern Cairngorms

NC 30/12 Snowfall. Avalanches likely, NW, N, NE and E aspects above 850m, also steep banks below. Fragile cornices. Considerable Haz

NC 30/12 Snowfall. Avalanches likely, NW, N, NE and E aspects above 850m, also steep banks below. Fragile cornices. Considerable Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: A combination of fresh snowfall and the re-distribution of existing unconsolidated snow will deposit areas of unstable windslab. These will mainly be found on NW through N to E aspects above 850m. Areas most affected will be gully tops and coire rims where avalanches are likely. Steep banks below 850m also affected. Fragile cornices will continue to build. Other areas also affected due to cross loading, particularly on steep wind sheltered areas. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: After an initial period of dry weather, heavy snow will arrive in the early hours which will gradually ease through the day. Very strong winds from the South-West will back South-East and increase for a few hours to gale before veering to become South-West. The freezing level will be around 700 metres, with a short spike in temperature to 1200 metres before lowering to 700 metres. Observed Weather Influences: A dry day with light South-Westerly winds. The freezing level lowered to 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Areas of moderately bonded windslab are present on mainly North-West through North to East aspects above 1000 metres. Areas most affected are gully tops, coire rims and wind sheltered locations. Elsewhere the old snowpack is stable and well bonded. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.