Northern Cairngorms

NC for 18/01 Windslab on NE-S aspects above 900m with unstable cornices building above. Avalanches likely. Hazard Considerable.

NC for 18/01 Windslab on NE-S aspects above 900m with unstable cornices building above. Avalanches likely. Hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to build becoming more widespread on North-East through East to South aspects above 900m where avalanches are likely. Wind sheltered terrain such as coire rims, gully tops and steep convex slopes being most affected. Fragile cornices will continue developing and be unstable. On same aspects below 900m, localised instabilities will be present in steep banks and shallow gullies. Improving stability on wind eroded slopes. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: Consistent snowfall throughout the forecast period with gale force winds which will be West-North-West to North-West overnight then decrease marginally through the day from the North-North-West. The freezing level will be around 400m. Observed Weather Influences: Strong to Gale force westerly winds with light snow showers and significant drifting throughout the day. Summit temperature -7, freezing at all levels. ObservedSnowStability: Poorly bonded windslab continues to accumulate and become more widespread on North-East to South-East aspects above 950m. Snowpack weaknesses were noted within deeper accumulations in wind sheltered terrain such as steep convexities and coire back walls. Fragile cornices overhang these aspects. Below 900m, snowpack instabilities are generally localised, with shallow gullies and steep banks most affected. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.