Northern Cairngorms

NC 29.12. Firm slab over weak layer W-NW-N-NE above 1000m - Isolated and avoidable. Stabilising trend. Avalanche hazard will be Low.

NC 29.12. Firm slab over weak layer W-NW-N-NE above 1000m - Isolated and avoidable. Stabilising trend. Avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: Slopes will remain extensively scoured, icy and with a thin dusting of snow above 900m. Accumulations of firm windslab will continue to overlie a weak layer, but these will remain isolated and avoidable. Most affected will be very steep locations such as coire rims, scarp slopes and gully tops of a West through North to North-Easterly aspects above 1000m. The snowpack will become increasingly depleted below 1000m over the period due to rising temperatures. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Dry over night, but with precipitation expected to arrive from mid morning. This will initially fall as snow above 1000 metres before turning to rain at all levels later. The freezing level will be around 600 metres overnight rising quickly above the summits by midday. Winds will be South-South-Easterly during daylight hours. Initially they will be light but quickly build to gale force. Observed Weather Influences: A dry and calm day with very light winds from the South-East. The freezing level was around 1000 metres at midday, although the ground remained cold and frozen above 750 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Firm windslab overlies a weak layer in isolated locations above 900 metres. Most affected are very steep, wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, scarp slopes and gully tops of a West through North to North-East aspect. Outwith these locations the ground is extensively scoured, with firm, well consolidated snow patches and a thin dusting of snow over bare ground. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.