Northern Cairngorms

NC for 23.3: Unstable windslab NE to SE aspects, cross loading N and S, all above 950m. Localised below. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

NC for 23.3: Unstable windslab NE to SE aspects, cross loading N and S, all above 950m. Localised below. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will become more widespread primarily on North-East to South-East aspects above 950m. North and South aspects will also be affected due to cross loading. The greatest instability will be where accumulations gain depth in steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, gully tops, scarp slopes and crag aprons. Cornices will be weak and prone to collapse. On these aspects instabilities will be more localised on steep banks below 950m. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Storm force Westerly winds overnight will ease to become gale force during the morning then veer North-Westerly through the day. Continuous snowfall with uncertainty as to the intensity and amounts. Freezing level will be around 600 metres rising to 800 metres by the end of the forecast period. Observed Weather Influences: Storm to gale force Westerly winds. Freezing level was around 700 metres. Snow showers throughout the day. ObservedSnowStability: Areas of poorly bonded windslab are present mainly on North through East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. The greatest instability is where accumulations are gaining depth in steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, gully tops, scarp slopes and crag aprons. New cornices are fragile. Elsewhere the old snowpack is firm and icy. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.