Northern Cairngorms

NC for 13.03: Unstable windslab developing on steep convex W to N aspects above 1000 metres. Unstable cornices. Moderate Hazard.

NC for 13.03: Unstable windslab developing on steep convex W to N aspects above 1000 metres. Unstable cornices. Moderate Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: New unstable windslab will develop through the day on Westerly to Northerly aspects above 1000 metres. The greatest instability will be where accumulations gain depth in wind sheltered locations. Steep and convex terrain, coire rims, gully exits and crag aprons will be most affected. Cornices will be unstable. Elsewhere the old snowpack will continue to consolidate in the fluctuating temperatures. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Strong to gale force South-Easterly winds throughout the forecast period. A dry night followed by precipitation falling as snow initially above 900 metres, then just below summit levels through the afternoon. The 1000 metres freezing level will slowly rise to summit levels by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: Snow showers above 1000 metres, these were heaviest during the morning. Strong to gale force South-Easterly winds eased through the afternoon. It was freezing at around summit levels. ObservedSnowStability: Moist moderately bonded windslab has developed on North-West to North-East aspects above 1000 metres. Instabilities were observed where accumulations have gained depth in steep and convex terrain, including below coire rims, gully exits and crag aprons. Cornices remain unstable. Elsewhere the soft, thawing snowpack is consolidating at all altitudes. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.