Northern Cairngorms

NC for 22.1: Avalanches likely abv. 850m on NW,N E asp. Later cool, new windslab N, E,SE asp. abv 850, Cornices! Considerable Hazard

NC for 22.1: Avalanches likely abv. 850m on NW,N E asp. Later cool, new windslab N, E,SE asp. abv 850, Cornices! Considerable Hazard

Forecast Snow Stability: Initially the snowpack will become increasingly unstable with avalanches likely on steep North-West through North to Easterly aspects above 850 metres. Cornices will be unstable. As it turns cooler the snowpack will begin to consolidate and new poorly bonded windslab and fragile cornices will develop on North through East to South-East aspects above 850m. On these aspects between 850m and 600m steep banks will be affected by more localised windslab. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Significant rain at all levels will turn to snowfall during the middle of the night. This will continue as snowfall above 500 metres for the rest of the forecast period. Gale to storm force South to South-Westerly winds will veer to become Westerly. The freezing level will fall from above the summits to 700 metres by day break. Observed Weather Influences: Snow showers on gale force Southerly winds with significant drifting at higher levels. The freezing level at midday was around 1000 metres. ObservedSnowStability: New accumulations of poorly bonded windslab have developed on North-West through North to Easterly aspects above 850 metres. The greatest instability is above 900 metres in steep wind sheltered locations such as around coire rims, crag aprons and the tops of gullies. On these aspects fragile cornices are developing. Elsewhere the old snowpack has developed a widespread breakable crust. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.