Northern Cairngorms

NC for 27.1: Unstable windslab on N, E to SE aspects above 900m. Unstable cornices on same aspects. Moderate Hazard.

NC for 27.1: Unstable windslab on N, E to SE aspects above 900m. Unstable cornices on same aspects. Moderate Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to develop on Northerly through East to South-East aspects above 900 metres. The greatest instability will be where accumulations gain depth in steep wind sheltered terrain such as around coire rims, gully tops and crag aprons. Isolated windslab will develop on other aspects due to cross loading. Fragile cornices will overhang these aspects. Elsewhere the snowpack will be generally well bonded and stable. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: During the night there will be showers falling as snow above 1000 metres on storm force South-Westerly winds. During the morning snowfall is expected to peter out and the winds will ease to gale force. The 900 metre freezing level will rise to 1100 metres overnight, then later in the afternoon to summit levels. Observed Weather Influences: Snow showers on strong to gale force Westerly winds. The freezing level rose to 700 metres by midday. ObservedSnowStability: There\'s a thin cover of new snow above 500 metres. Unstable windslab has developed on North through East to South-East aspects mainly above 900 metres. The greatest instabilty is where these accumulations have gained depth, especially around coire rims, gully tops and crag aprons. On these aspects fragile cornices have developed. Elsewhere a widespread crust has developed, beneath this the old snowpack is well bonded and stable throughout. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.