Northern Cairngorms

NC for 31.01 Storm force W winds. Snowfall. Unstable windslab NE, E, SE asp. above 900m. Cross loading N and S asp. Moderate Hazard.

NC for 31.01 Storm force W winds. Snowfall. Unstable windslab NE, E, SE asp. above 900m. Cross loading N and S asp. Moderate Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to gain depth in wind sheltered locations on North-East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. Areas most affected will be steep convexities, coire rims and gully tops. Localised accumulations will also be present on North and South aspects, due to cross loading. Wind exposed slopes will be scoured, firm, icy and generally stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Winds will initially be gale force South-Westerlies before veering overnight and gaining in strength to become storm force Westerlies. The freezing level will rise briefly above the highest summits overnight before falling to around 600 metres for the duration of the day. Precipitation is expected throughout the forecast period, wet snow showers during the evening will become more persistent snowfall during the day. Observed Weather Influences: A cold and largely dry day with fresh Westerly winds. The freezing level was around 600 metres rising to 800 metres during the day. ObservedSnowStability: There is a dusting of new snow above 600 metres. The overnight storm force winds deposited isolated accumulations of unstable windslab on North-East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. These deposits are generally shallow and avoidable. Areas most affected are wind sheltered slopes such as coire rims, gully tops and steep convexities. The remaining snow patches and wind exposed slopes are firm, icy and stable. The avalanche hazard is Low.