Northern Cairngorms

NC 16.3 Unstable windslab, W to N and NE aps above 800m. Wet snow instabilities developing later. Cornices fragile. Considerable Haz

NC 16.3 Unstable windslab, W to N and NE aps above 800m. Wet snow instabilities developing later. Cornices fragile. Considerable Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: Overnight unstable windslab will continue to gain depth and become more widespread on West through North to North-East apsects above 800 metres. Steep and convex wind shletered terrain will be most affected. Other aspects above 800 metres will also be affected due to cross loading. As the tempreature rises, wet snow surface instablitlies will begin to develop on all aspects. Cornices will be prone to collapse, potentially triggering slopes below. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snowfall overnight will turn to sleet and then rain during the early morning. Rain at all levels will then clear to give a drier afternoon. Winds will be gale force from the South-South-East overnight, backing to become South-Westerly during the afternoon. The freezing level will be initially be around 500 metres overnight, rising and remaining above the summits around dawn. Observed Weather Influences: A dry day, with a bright start, cloud developing later. Winds were light South-Westerlies for morning, gaining in strength during the afternoon. The freezing was around 600 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Accumulations of unstable windslab are present on West through North to North-East aspects above 800 metres. Steep, convex wind sheltered terrain most affected. Localised deposits of windslab are also present on other apsects above 800 metres due to cross loading. A blanket of fresh snow continues to lie from glen level upwards. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.