Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: Fresh accumulations of unstable windslab will be present on North through East to South aspects above 800 metres. Gully tops, ridge flanks and steep terrain where the snow gains depth and overlies the old snowpack will be particularly affected. New cornices will be fragile. Below this altitude and above 500 metres the old patchy snow cover has thin covering of new snow and stability is generally good. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Strong North-Westerly winds will become moderate for a time in the afternoon before backing South-Westerly and increasing to fresh. Generally light and isolated snow showers throughout the forecast period. The freezing level will be around 300 metres then gradually rise towards 800 metres during the day. Observed Weather Influences: Frequent snow showers during the morning were at times heavy and lying to lower elevations, easing in the afternoon. Very strong to gale force West-North-West winds. The freezing level was around 400 metres. Cairngorm summit recorded minus 5.5 degrees at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Fresh accumulations of unstable windslab have developed mainly on North-East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. North and South aspects are also affected due to cross-loading. Steep locations where snow gains depth and overlies the old snow pack are particularly affected. Wind scoured terrain is generally firm, icy and stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.