Northern Cairngorms

NC for 7/12: Snowpack weakness in isolated areas on NW to NE aspects above 1100m. Cornice collapse during onset of rain. Low Hazard

NC for 7/12: Snowpack weakness in isolated areas on NW to NE aspects above 1100m. Cornice collapse during onset of rain. Low Hazard

Forecast Snow Stability: Localised accumulations of windslab will remain in steep wind sheltered locations of a North-West to North-East aspect above 1100 metres. Accumulations present lingering weaknesses in isolated areas such as gully tops and coire rims. Outwith these locations the snowpack will be soft, stable and subject to a slow thaw. Cornices will remain fragile and prone to collapse, especially during the onset of rain. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: A dry night is expected, with a period of summit snow and rain in the afternoon. Winds will be moderate South-Westerly, becoming gale force and backing to South-Easterly by the end of the day. The freezing level will be around 1200 metres. Observed Weather Influences: The passage of a front resulted in intense precipitation overnight. Snow initially reached lower levels, while later it was confined to above 1100 metres. The wind was South-Easterly, storm force overnight, moderate in strength during daylight hours. The freezing level was around 1200 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Accumulations of soft windslab are present on North-West to North-East aspects above 1100 metres. Areas such as coire rims and gully tops are particularly affected. Large unstable cornices were observed around gully tops of the same aspect. Below this level the snowpack is generally moist and subject to slow thaw. The avalanche hazard is Low.