Northern Cairngorms

NC for 29.2. Windslab development N,NE and E aspects above 1000m. Cornices fragile in transient thaw. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

NC for 29.2. Windslab development N,NE and E aspects above 1000m. Cornices fragile in transient thaw. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Fresh accumulations of poorly bonded windslab will develop on North to East aspects above 1000 metres as the day progresses. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered locations, such as coire rims, gully tops and convexities where accumulations gain the greatest depth. Elsewhere, the moist snowpack will become firm with localised shallow accumulations of windblown snow at lower elevations. Cornices will be prone to collapse as temperatures fluctuate. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Overnight rain at summit level is expected to gradually turn to sleet then snow above 600 metres during daylight hours. Winds will generally be gale force and from the South-West. The freezing level will be above the summits overnight, falling to around 700 metres by dawn. Observed Weather Influences: Some light snow showers were followed by a mainly dry day. Gale force winds were from the West overnight, before backing to become storm force Southerlies by dawn. The freezing level rose from 1000 metres at midday, to reside above the summits by the end of the period. ObservedSnowStability: Poorly bonded windslab was deposited on North to East aspects above 1000 metres. Further localised deposits are present on North-West aspects due to cross loading. The greatest instability remains in accumulations which contain a low density layer above firm snow at depth. Areas exposed to the wind have been scoured, leaving bare ground and firm older snow patches. Below 1000 metres the snow is stable, firm and features a widespread crust. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.