Southern Cairngorms

SC 21.01.23 Thawing at all levels. Stability poor on NE through SE to SW above 900m. Cornices may collapse. Ava hazard Considerable

SC 21.01.23 Thawing at all levels. Stability poor on NE through SE to SW above 900m. Cornices may collapse. Ava hazard Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will start to thaw at all levels during the day. Poorest stability will be found on North-East through South-East to South-West aspects above 900 metres. Steep wind sheltered locations such as gully tops, scarp slopes and crag aprons will be most affected. Many of these areas will have unstable large cornices above them. Isolated wet snow instabilities are also possible in steep lee locations at lower levels. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Becoming milder with the freezing level rising above all summits during the day. Any snowfall will be very light. Southerly winds expected to become strong during the day. Observed Weather Influences: A stunning winters day, clear, dry but cold in the light North-Westerly winds. ObservedSnowStability: Poorly bonded windslab persists in wind sheltered locations mostly on East to South aspects above 900 metres. Large unstable cornices are also present above these slopes. Localised moderately bonded snow is also found on both North-East and South-West aspects. Snow at lower levels is mainly soft and dry. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.