Northern Cairngorms

Forecast Snow Stability: At first, wet snow instabilities will be present and any existing cornices will be prone to collapse. Later, fresh unstable windslab will gradually build on North through East to South-East aspects above 800 meters in steep wind sheltered locations. Fragile cornices will start to develop on these same aspects. Localised areas of instabilities will develop below this height but will not be extensive. The old snowpack will be generally stable throughout. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: After overnight heavy rain, fresh snow will fall to around 700 metres from midnight onwards. Storm force Southerly winds during the night will veer to the West-South-West easing slightly through the day. The high freezing level will lower to around 800 metres from midnight onwards. Observed Weather Influences: Very strong South-South-Westerly winds through the day with the freezing level around 1200 metres at midday. Generally a dry day but thick cloud producing some drizzle. ObservedSnowStability: Snowpack stability is generally good in all locations, softening through the day. In deep accumulations some localised instabilities are persisting on very steep North and North-East aspects above 1000 metres but these are diminishing and are not extensive. Lingering cornices continue to be a hazard. The avalanche hazard is Low.