Northern Cairngorms

NC for 29.1. New windslab, South to East aspects above 800 metres. Elsewhere stable. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 29.1. New windslab, South to East aspects above 800 metres. Elsewhere stable. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Isolated areas of moderately bonded windslab will build on East to South aspects above 800 metres as the day progresses. Accumulations will be mostly limited and avoidable exhibiting weaknesses only where they achieve depth in steep wind sheltered location such as coire rims and gully tops. Outwith these locations the snowpack will continue to slowly consolidate and become firm, aided by the presence of a widespread icy crust above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow is anticipated throughout the forecast period. This will initially fall above 800 metres overnight, and 600 metres during daylight hours. Winds will be from the North-West strong, increasing to very strong later. The freezing level is expected to be at around 800 metres overnight, dropping to 450 metres later. Observed Weather Influences: Snow at higher elevations turned to rain at all levels by dawn. Winds were fresh and generally North-Westerly. The freezing level was around 1200 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Moderately bonded windslab remains on North-West through North to East aspects above 950 metres, while shallow isolated accumulations are also present on South-East and South aspects. The presence of an icy rain crust above 1000 metres aids stability. However, windslab in steep wind and rain sheltered locations, such as coire rims and gullies, still contains weaknesses at depth. At lower elevation the snowpack is moist and subject to slow consolidation. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.