Northern Cairngorms

NC for 13.2: Unstable windslab, N, E to S aspects abv 850m. Fragile cornices. Weakness at depth, W to N aspects above 1000. Mod. Haz

NC for 13.2: Unstable windslab, N, E to S aspects abv 850m. Fragile cornices. Weakness at depth, W to N aspects above 1000. Mod. Haz

Forecast Snow Stability: Accumulations of unstable windslab will continue to develop on North through East to South-East aspects above 850 metres. Areas most affected will be in wind sheltered terrain especially coire rims gully exits and crag aprons. On these aspects, fragile cornices will develop. Other areas will be affected by cross loading. Snowpack weaknesses will remain at depth on steep and convex West to North aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow showers throughout the forecast period. These will be heaviest during the night. South-West to West-South-Westerly winds will be gale force, before easing to strong during the afternoon. The freezing level will steadily rise from 600 to 800 metres by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: Long spells of sunshine during the morning with snow showers through the afternoon. Winds were moderate to strong South-Westerly. The freezing level was around 900 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Accumulations of windslab remain on West to North aspects mainly above 1000m; here snowpack weaknesses remain at depth with steep and convex terrain most affected. New accumulations of windslab have developed on North to East aspects above 900 metres. The greatest instability is in wind sheltered locations such as around coire rims, gully exits, crag aprons and steep rollovers. Fragile cornices are developing. Elsewhere the snowpack is generally stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.