Southern Cairngorms

SC 20.12.24 Deposits forming on N, E to SE aspects above 900m. Lee areas affected but isolated and avoidable. Avalanche hazard Low.

SC 20.12.24 Deposits forming on N, E to SE aspects above 900m. Lee areas affected but isolated and avoidable. Avalanche hazard Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: New snowfall will mostly fall onto bare ground. However, new areas of shallow windslab will develop mainly in wind sheltered locations on North through East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. Gully exits, scarp slopes and corrie rims will be mainly affected but new accumulations are expected to be isolated in distribution and avoidable. Deposits will consolidate as the freezing level drops. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: The freezing level will be in the glens overnight but will rise to 1200 metres mid morning before dropping to 900 metres by late afternoon. Light snowfall is expected at first before turning to rain then snow again which will be restricted to the higher tops. Gale force winds will develop overnight, initially from the South-West veering to the West-North-West by afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: A cold start to the day with the freezing level lifting to around 700 metres by midday. Light snowfall early morning but predominantly dry thereafter. Very windy with gusts over 70 mph on the tops. ObservedSnowStability: There is a light dusting of snow from low levels which mostly lies on bare ground. Greatest amounts are on wind sheltered areas on East to South aspects above 700 metres. Older snow is firm and icy. The avalanche hazard is Low.