Northern Cairngorms

NC for 24.01 Significant snowfall expected. Unstable windslab on W, N, E aspects above 500m. Fragile cornices. Haz Considerable

NC for 24.01 Significant snowfall expected. Unstable windslab on W, N, E aspects above 500m. Fragile cornices. Haz Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: After a dry evening, fresh amounts of unstable windslab will rapidly develop on West through North to East aspects above 500 metres, where avalanches are likely. Areas most affected, but not confined to, will be gully tops, coire rims, steep scarp slopes and other wind sheltered locations to lower elevations. Fragile cornices will also start to build on these same aspects. Areas exposed to the strong winds will be scoured and bare. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Significant amounts of persistent snowfall above 500 metres is expected from a few hours before dawn then continuing throughout the remainder of the forecast period. Winds, generally from the Southern quadrant will increase overnight to become storm force or hurricane force. Observed Weather Influences: A mainly cold and dry day with some light snow flurries in the afternoon. The freezing level was at 800 metres around midday with strong South-South-Easterly winds increasing during the afternoon. ObservedSnowStability: Any remaining isolated snow patches are firm and well bonded. These can be found mainly on North through East to South aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low.