Northern Cairngorms

NC for 10.2. Unstable windslab deposits N,NE,E,SE above 900m. Firm and stable or scoured elsewhere. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 10.2. Unstable windslab deposits N,NE,E,SE above 900m. Firm and stable or scoured elsewhere. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Overnight unstable windslab will be deposited on North through East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered locations, such as scarp slopes, gully tops, and ridge flanks where deposits overlie the older firm snowpack. At lower elevations isolated and avoidable windslab deposits will be present in similar locations. Outwith these areas the snowpack will be firm and icy, before softening later. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Very light precipitation is expected. Overnight this will fall as snow above 800 metres gradually turning to rain at all levels. Winds will be gale force rising to storm force during daylight hours, South-Westerly veering to the West later. The freezing level will be 800 metres overnight rising above the summits by dawn. Observed Weather Influences: A predominately dry day after light snow showers overnight. Winds were from the West and storm force for the duration of the day. The freezing level was 500 metres overnight rising to around 750 metres by the end of the day. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab was deposited throughout the day on North-East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. This is generally found in steep wind sheltered locations where it overlies older firm and consolidated snow, such as ridge flanks, scarp slopes and gully tops. Outwith these areas snow patches are firm and icy, while a fresh dusting of snow lies on bare ground. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.