Southern Cairngorms

SC for 28/02/24 Localised windslab - wind sheltered locations on NW, N, NE, E aspects above 900m. Cornice collapse. Av Haz Moderate

SC for 28/02/24 Localised windslab - wind sheltered locations on NW, N, NE, E aspects above 900m. Cornice collapse. Av Haz Moderate

Forecast Snow Stability: Fresh shallow accumulations of windslab will form during the morning, in steeper, wind sheltered locations on North-West to North-East aspects above 900 metres. Localised pockets will also persist on East aspects above the same altitude. Small cornice collapse will threaten slopes on North to East aspects later during the afternoon as the freezing level settles above the summits. Elsewhere the recent snow will thaw, with old patches remaining stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: A dry night followed by some light snowfall during the morning, initially above 700 metres, turning to rain at all levels by early afternoon. Strong Southerly winds during the snowfall period. 750 metre freezing level overnight, rising to 1800 metres during the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Light snowfall during the morning above 700 metres, clearing to bright conditions with intermittent snow showers from late morning onwards above 800 metres. Winds were gale force South-Westerly initially, easing to moderate Westerly during the afternoon, but with some stronger gusts. Freezing level rose to around 1000 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: Localised accumulations of moderately bonded windslab have formed in wind sheltered locations only, on mainly North to East aspects above 900 metres. Sharply defined corrie rims and steep gully tops are the locations which are most affected. Small cornices have formed. Elsewhere the old snow is well bonded, with shallow new snow lying mostly on bare ground. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.