Northern Cairngorms

NC for 16.2: Unstable windslab on NW,N, NE, to Easterly aspects above 900m, localised below. .Fragile cornices. Considerable Hazard

NC for 16.2: Unstable windslab on NW,N, NE, to Easterly aspects above 900m, localised below. .Fragile cornices. Considerable Hazard

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will develop mainly on North-West through North to Easterly aspects. Areas most affected will be above 900 metres in wind sheltered locations, particularly below coire rims, gully tops, and crag aprons. Fragile cornices will also develop. On these aspects more localised windslab will develop on steep banks below 900 metres. Cross loading will affect other aspects. Elsewhere the snowpack will be firm and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Strong to gale force winds will back and veer between the West-South-West and the South-South-East. From the middle of the night onwards there will be snowfall, this will be heavy at times especially during the afternoon. The 500 metre freezing level will steadily rise and fluctuate at around 800 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Occasional snow showers on strong to gale force Westerly winds. The freezing level was at 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: There is a firm widespread crust on all aspects above 800 metres. New accumulations of windslab have developed on North-East to South-East aspects. Isolated instabilities were observed on these aspects within deeper deposits above 1000 metres. In the main these accumulations are shallow and avoidable, and mostly confined to wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, crag aprons and the tops of gullies. Elsewhere the snowpack is firm well bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low.