Northern Cairngorms

NC for 10.3:Weakness all aspects. Avalanches likely, S, W, NW asp. abv. 900m, later windslab, NE, SE asp. Cornices! Considerable Haz

NC for 10.3:Weakness all aspects. Avalanches likely, S, W, NW asp. abv. 900m, later windslab, NE, SE asp. Cornices! Considerable Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: Underlying snowpack weaknesses will persist at depth on all aspects. Unstable windslab overlying weak layers will become more widespread on S through W to N-W aspects above 900m where avalanches are likely. Areas most affected will be steep and convex terrain. In the day additional windslab will develop above 900m on NE to SE aspects. Below 900m, localised instabilities will be present in wind sheltered steep banks and gullies. Cornices will be fragile. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: A few snow showers are expected overnight on very strong East to North-East winds. During the day the wind will ease moderate to strong and back, becoming West-North-Westerly. The 200 metre freezing level will rise to 400 metres through the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: A very cold dry day with light Easterly winds increasing in strength to moderate through the afternoon. Freezing at all levels. ObservedSnowStability: Underlying weaknesses are present on all aspects beneath a covering of soft unconsolidated snow. The greatest instability is where the weak accumulations are overlain by firmer windslab on steep East to South aspects above 900 metres. As the day progressed drifting snow led to new windslab developing mostly around coire rims and gully tops on South-West to North-West aspects above 900 metres. On all of these aspects, cornices are fragile. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.