Northern Cairngorms

NC for 26.01 Fresh unstable windslab building N, NE, E, S aspects above 900m. Fragile cornices. Old snow stable. Moderate Haz.

NC for 26.01 Fresh unstable windslab building N, NE, E, S aspects above 900m. Fragile cornices. Old snow stable. Moderate Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Fresh unstable windslab will start to build on North through East to South-East aspects mainly above 900 metres. Coire rims, gully tops and crag aprons will be most affected especially where new accumulations gains depth. Fragile cornices will start to build around coire rims. The old snowpack, at lower elevations, will refreeze becoming stable and well bonded throughout. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: After some initial summit rain overnight, the snow level will lower to 400 metres, with snowfall heaviest during the early hours. The freezing level will lower to 500 metres by dawn before rising to 900 metres by the end of the forecast period. Gale force winds generally from the West throughout the period. Observed Weather Influences: Light showers, falling as snow above 950 metres initially, cleared to leave a mainly dry afternoon. Gale force South-Easterly winds throughout. The 900 metre freezing level increased above the summits during the day. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack has refrozen leaving it firm and generally well bonded throughout. Some softening occurred during the day but stability remained good. Greatest amounts can be found above 900 metres in coire back-walls, ridge flanks and other wind sheltered locations. Below this height cover is becoming patchy in nature. The avalanche hazard is Low.