Northern Cairngorms

NC for 14.02 Unstable windslab on W, N, E aspect above 850m. Fragile cornices. Mod Haz.

NC for 14.02 Unstable windslab on W, N, E aspect above 850m. Fragile cornices. Mod Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Accumulations of unstable windslab will continue to develop on North to East aspects above 850 metres. Later in the day, West and North-West aspects will also become affected. Areas most affected will be steep convex wind sheltered terrain, noticeably coire rims, gully tops and crag aprons. Fragile cornices will continue to develop. The existing old snowpack will be stable and well bonded throughout. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: A mainly dry day with small amounts of precipitation expected in the afternoon. This will initially fall as snow above 700 metres before becoming confined to the highest tops. Strong South-Westerly winds, gradually easing to become light by daybreak before backing South-East and increasing to moderate. Freezing level will gradually rise from 750 metres to 1300 metres by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: A dry day with sunny spells. Gale force South-Westerly winds slowly eased through the day. Freezing level was 750 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Areas of unstable windslab have developed on North through East to South-East aspects above 850 metres. Areas affected are wind sheltered terrain, especially coire rims, gully tops and crag aprons. Fragile cornices can be found on the same aspects. Snowpack weaknesses remain at depth on steep and convex West to North aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.