Southern Cairngorms

SC for 3.3. Windslab building W to NW and cross-loading on N above 900 metres. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

SC for 3.3. Windslab building W to NW and cross-loading on N above 900 metres. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Windslab will accumulate throughout the period on West and North-West aspects above 900 metres. North aspects will be subject to cross-loading. The greatest instability will be confined to steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims and multi aspect gully tops, particularly where windslab overlies the older firm snowpack. Outwith these areas a light covering of new snow will be present above 700 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Snow fall above 700 metres is expected overnight, followed by a dry day. Winds will be strong and from the East overnight, veering to become moderate and from the South-South-East by the end of the day. The freezing level will fluctuate between 700 and 800 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight snow showers preceeded a dry and bright day. Winds were strong Northerlies overnight, and moderate Easterlies later. The freezing level was around 800 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Accumulations of soft windblown snow have developed overnight on South-East to South-West aspects above 900 metres. Isolated soft windslab deposits contain weaknesses and are located in steep wind sheltered places which overlie the older firm snowpack e.g. around coire rims and multi aspect gully tops. Elsewhere a thin covering of fresh snow is present above 600 metres. Limited cornice development was noted above Southerly aspects. The avalanche hazard is Low.