Northern Cairngorms

NC for 12.2: Unstable windslab, N to E aspects above 900m. Fragile cornices. Weakness at depth W to N asp above 1000m.Moderate Haz.

NC for 12.2: Unstable windslab, N to E aspects above 900m. Fragile cornices. Weakness at depth W to N asp above 1000m.Moderate Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: There will be a redistribution of lying snow and later drifting of new snow. New accumulations of windslab will develop on Northerly to Easterly aspects mostly above 900m. Areas most affected will be in wind sheltered terrain such as coire rims, gully tops and crag aprons. Fragile cornices will also develop. Snowpack weaknesses will persist at depth on West to North aspects above 1000m. Elsewhere the snowpack will be generally stable or wind scoured. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Dry conditions up until the afternoon when snow showers are expected above 500 metres, these will be heaviest towards the end of the day. Fresh to strong South-Westerly winds will increase strong to gale force through the afternoon and back to become South-South-Westerly. The freezing level will fall from 900 to 700 metres during the night. Observed Weather Influences: A dry cloudy day with light to fresh South-Westerly winds. The freezing level was at 1100 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Windslab accumulations remain present on Westerly to Northerly aspects above 1000 metres; here weaknesses persist at depth beneath the dense windslab. The greatest instability is in areas of steep and convex wind sheltered terrain such as around coire rims, gully exits and crag aprons. Elsewhere the snowpack is generally well bonded or firm and icy. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.