Southern Cairngorms

SC 12.04.23 Windslab developing above 900m on NW-NE aspects, some W and E also. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

SC 12.04.23 Windslab developing above 900m on NW-NE aspects, some W and E also. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: New rapidly forming windslab will develop on North-West to North-East aspects with West and East aspects also affected by cross loading. Where new accumulations form over old snow-ice stability will be poor. Sheltered locations above 900 metres such as corrie rims and gully tops will be particularly affected. Unstable cornices also redeveloping above these locations. Deep drifts will be encountered from low levels. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall throughout this forecasted period, heaviest overnight easing slightly during the day. Falling initially above around 800 metres but settling to increasingly lower altitudes as the freezing level drops down to 500 metres. Winds will be strong throughout, East-South-East veering South-South-West, then backing to the South-East by the end of the period. Observed Weather Influences: A sunny, dry day with a brief snow shower early morning. A cold start to the day with the freezing level slowly rising. A temperature of 1.8 was recorded at 930 metres. Winds were fresh from the South. ObservedSnowStability: The remaining patchy snow is generally firm and well consolidated. Greatest amounts of snow are found in North to East facing corries above 900 metres and around higher summits. The avalanche hazard is Low.