Northern Cairngorms

NC for 17.2. Windslab becoming more widespread. W,NW,N,NE aspects above 900 m. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 17.2. Windslab becoming more widespread. W,NW,N,NE aspects above 900 m. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will become more widespread on West through North to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, gullies and crag aprons. At lower elevations some isolated drifts will be present due to the strong winds. Fragile cornices will also continue to develop. Elsewhere the snowpack will be very firm and stable, while slopes exposed to the wind will continue to be scoured. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: A dry day is expected. Winds will be from the South-South-East, initially strong, increasing to give gale force gusts by the end of the period. The freezing level will fluctuate between 600 and 700 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Light snow showers quickly dissipated in the morning, giving a dry afternoon. Winds were strong to gale force and mainly from the South-South-East. The freezing level was around 600 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Moderately bonded windslab continues to develop on West through North to North-East aspects above 900 metres. The greatest instability is found in steep and convex wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, gullies and crag aprons. Fragile cornices are also present. Elsewhere the old snowpack is very firm and stable. Plateau areas are scoured. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.