Northern Cairngorms

NC for 20.1. Existing snowpack patchy and greatest on NE,E and SE aspects above 950m. Just a dusting elsewhere. Avalanche Hazard Low

NC for 20.1. Existing snowpack patchy and greatest on NE,E and SE aspects above 950m. Just a dusting elsewhere. Avalanche Hazard Low

Forecast Snow Stability: Little change is expected. The existing snowpack will remain firm, well bonded and stable. Greatest amounts are located on coire back walls, scarp slopes and ridge flanks of a North-East, East and South-East aspect above 950 metres. A dusting of new snow will be present above 500 metres, mostly in the north west periphery of the Northern Cairngorms area. Shallow accumulations will limited in extent and inconsequential. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Trace precipitation is expected during the evening, this falling as snow from glen levels upwards. The rest of the forecast period is expected to be dry. Winds will be strong from the North-North-West, backing to the West-North-West becoming moderate later. The freezing level will rise from glen level to reach 500 metres by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: A day of light showers, brought in on strong West-North-Westerly winds. Precipitation fell as rain to summit levels overnight before turning to snow above 600 metres later. Amounts were insignificant. The freezing level was at 500 metres by the end of the forecast period. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is firm, stable and well bonded at all elevations. Patchy cover remains, with the greatest amounts on North-West through North to East aspects above 950 metres. A superficial dusting of new snow is present above 500 metres, with isolated inconsequential accumulations in very steep wind sheltered locations. The avalanche hazard is Low.