Northern Cairngorms

NC for 14.3 Windslab persists, becoming widespread above 800m on all aspects. Cross-loading in variable winds. Considerable Hazard.

NC for 14.3 Windslab persists, becoming widespread above 800m on all aspects. Cross-loading in variable winds. Considerable Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will persist on South-East through South to West aspects above 800 metres. Continual drifting will result in accumulations becoming widespread to include North-East to East aspects above 800 metres, where avalanches are likely on steep wind sheltered terrain. Cross-loading will occur on other aspects, with unstable cornices developing. Above 200 metres a blanket of fresh snow will lie on bare ground, presenting localised instabilities. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow showers are expected to dissipate leaving a mostly dry night, before more snow showers arrive early in the day. Winds will be gale force overnight before becoming very strong for the majority of the day. Initially, winds will be North-North-East backing to the West by morning, then veering to the North-North-West during the day. The freezing level will gradually rise from sea level to 300 metres in the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: A day of continual snow showers, these falling to glen level. Winds were strong and mainly from the North-North-East. The freezing level was around 200 metres for the duration of the day. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab continued to accumulate throughout the day on South-East through South to West aspects, this was widespread above 900 metres, with localised accumulations below. Areas most affected are steep wind sheltered locations, with cross-loading noted on other aspects. Outwith these areas, a blanket of fresh snow lies above 200 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.