Southern Cairngorms

SC 31.01.23 New windslab, mostly NE to SE aspects above 900m, limited amounts on N and S aspects. Avalanche hazard Moderate.

SC 31.01.23 New windslab, mostly NE to SE aspects above 900m, limited amounts on N and S aspects. Avalanche hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: New moderately bonded windslab will develop mostly on North-East to South-East aspects above 900 metres with both North and South aspects also affected by cross loading. Steep wind sheltered locations such as gully tops and corrie rims will be worst affected. Newly formed cornices will be fragile. Elsewhere, exposed slopes will be very firm and icy with isolated pockets of new snow at lower levels. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: The freezing level will briefly rise above the summits overnight with rain at all levels. By dawn the freezing level will have dropped again, precipitation will turn to snow above 600 metres with snow showers continuing throughout the day. Winds will be very strong, South-West overnight, West throughout the day.

Observed Weather Influences: There was some very light snowfall above 600 metres overnight, otherwise dry despite becoming cloudier throughout the morning. Winds were moderate from the North-West. ObservedSnowStability: The majority of the patchy snow cover is very firm and icy. Isolated pockets of new snow are to be found in wind sheltered features on East and South-East aspects above 700 metres. New accumulations are not significant, The avalanche hazard is Low.