Northern Cairngorms

NC for 19.1. Moderately bonded windslab, isolated locations NE,E,SE above 600m. Cosmetic dusting elsewhere. Avalanche Hazard Low

NC for 19.1. Moderately bonded windslab, isolated locations NE,E,SE above 600m. Cosmetic dusting elsewhere. Avalanche Hazard Low

Forecast Snow Stability: The existing snowpack will remain firm, well bonded and stable at all elevations. Fresh moderately bonded windslab will accumulate, containing instabilities only where it achieves depth. Isolated, steep, wind sheltered locations on North-East, East and South-East aspects mostly above 600 metres will be affected. Such as coire back walls, scarp slopes and ridge flanks. Outwith these locations a fresh dusting of snow will lie on bare ground above 500 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Low

Forecast Weather Influences: A slight change is expected as High Pressure recedes temporarily. Precipitation will fall throughout the forecast period, initially as sleet and snow above 1200 metres overnight. By dawn, snow will fall above 500 metres, although amounts are not expected to be significant. The wind will be from the South-West veering to the North-West by morning. The freezing level will drop from 1200 metres to 500 metres. Observed Weather Influences: A predominately dry day, with some light precipitation at the end of the forecast period. Winds were strong, increasing to gale force later from the South-South-West. The freezing level was around 950 metres, the snow surface remaining firm at most elevations. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is firm, stable and well bonded at all elevations. Patchy cover remains, with the greatest amounts on North-West through North to East aspects above 950 metres. Steep coire back walls, scarp slopes and East facing ridge flanks retain patches of the greatest extent. The snow surface remained firm and frozen, only softening very slightly at lower elevations below 950 metres. The avalanche hazard is Low.