Northern Cairngorms

NC for 15.3. Generally stable snowpack as weaknesses diminish. Some new windslab E,SE above 900m. Avalanche Hazard Low.

NC for 15.3. Generally stable snowpack as weaknesses diminish. Some new windslab E,SE above 900m. Avalanche Hazard Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will be stable in most areas, as lingering weaknesses slowly diminish. Isolated fresh windslab will develop on some East and South-East aspects above 900 metres, as snow is redistributed. This is expected to be shallow and of limited extent. Elsewhere the snow cover will remain at higher elevations, particularly on more sheltered plateau areas, while below 700 metres gradual snow loss will occur. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Dry and settled conditions are expected. Winds will be light and variable, then moderate West-South-Westerlies in the early hours. During the day winds will be moderate and mostly from the West-North-West. The freezing level will be 600 metres overnight gradually rising to 1000 metres by the end of the period. Observed Weather Influences: Snow showers continued for much of the morning, following a more intense period of snowfall overnight. Some snow was present at lower levels, but showers were confined to above 600 metres later. Winds were moderate and from the North-North-East. The freezing level was around 700 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Moderately bonded windslab accumulations are present on South-East to South-West aspects above 950 metres. These are mostly isolated and found in steep wind sheltered areas bordering the plateau rim and in gully tops. Weaknesses are slowly diminishing, particularly on slopes exposed to solar radiation. Elsewhere, snow covers plateau areas and more sheltered slopes on all aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low.