Northern Cairngorms

NC for 6/1 Windslab developing in all wind sheltered locations. NW to NE above 800m most affected. Considerable hazard.

NC for 6/1 Windslab developing in all wind sheltered locations. NW to NE above 800m most affected. Considerable hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Redistribution of existing soft snow combined with further snowfall will cause windslab to rapidly develop in all wind-shelterd locations. Greatest accumulations will be on North-West to North-East aspects above 800 metres. East and West aspects will also be affected by crossloading. Remaining windslab on other aspects will gradually be eroded during the day. Localised instabilities will also develop on steep banks at lower elevations above 550 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: It will be a very cold, stormy day with snow showers throughout daylight hours. Southerly winds will increase to storm force by mid morning and decrease only slightly by the end of the afternoon. It will be freezing at most levels overnight with the freezing level gradually rising to 600 metres by the end of the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: It was a cold cloudy day with occasional snow showers. It was freezing at all levels. Winds were moderate North-Westerly. ObservedSnowStability: Weaknesses are persisting within windslab accumulations on North-East through East to South aspects above 800 metres. Steep wind sheltered locations such as gullies, coire rims and crag aprons are most affected. Elsewhere there is a thin covering of unconsolidated snow. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.