Southern Cairngorms

SC 27.3.23 Poor stability developing with snow then rain. NW to NE aspects above 850m affected. Avalanche haz Considerable.

SC 27.3.23 Poor stability developing with snow then rain. NW to NE aspects above 850m affected. Avalanche haz Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Snowfall with redistribution of existing deposits will rapidly form unstable windslab in wind sheltered locations on North-West to North-East aspects above 850 metres with other sheltered features also affected due to cross loading. Stability will become increasingly poor as thaw conditions become established. Greatest hazard will be found where deposits have developed over old snow ice around gully tops and corrie rims. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Dry overnight with precipitation arriving in the morning. Initially falling as snow above 600 metres but gradually turning to rain as the freezing level rises above the summits by afternoon. Southerly winds overnight, backing and strengthening to a fresh breeze from the South-South-East during the day. Observed Weather Influences: A bright and sunny day. Initially freezing at all levels but lifting to around 900 metres by lunch time. Winds were light from the South-West. ObservedSnowStability: There is a dusting of snow over most aspects above 700 metres. Old, very firm snow is present above 900 metres on North to East aspects with lesser amounts of softer snow on South-East to South-West aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low.