Northern Cairngorms

NC 28.12.24 Snow cover initially thawing, then becoming firm. Good stability. Most snow on NE to S aspects above 1000m. Low Hazard.

NC 28.12.24 Snow cover initially thawing, then becoming firm. Good stability. Most snow on NE to S aspects above 1000m. Low Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: The existing snow will continue to thaw initially, then become firm later in the day as the freezing level drops, with generally good stability throughout. The patchy snow cover will be mainly on North-East through East to South aspects above 1000 metres. There will be a light dusting of new snow above 1000m later in the day, although amounts are not forecast to be significant. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Very strong South-Westerly winds overnight, will veer to the West-South-West during the day and increase to reach gale force by the end of the forecasting period. Light precipitation is expected through the morning and early afternoon. This will initially fall as rain at all levels, later falling as snow above 1000 metres. Overnight the freezing level will be above the summits, then drop through the day to be around 1000 metres. Observed Weather Influences: A dry and mild day with strong South-Westerly winds. Midday summit temperature was 4.5 degrees celsius. ObservedSnowStability: The remaining snow continues to thaw, consolidate and be generally stable in all locations. The patchy snow cover is mainly on North-East through East to South aspects above 1000 metres. Elsewhere the ground is mostly bare. The avalanche hazard is Low.