Southern Cairngorms

SC for 14.02.24 Localised moderately bonded windslab, wind sheltered locations only NW, N, NE, E, SE aspects above 900m. Av Haz Mod.

SC for 14.02.24 Localised moderately bonded windslab, wind sheltered locations only NW, N, NE, E, SE aspects above 900m. Av Haz Mod.

Forecast Snow Stability: Localised areas of moderately bonded windslab will be encountered in wind sheltered locations only, on North to East aspects above 900 metres. Occasional pockets will also be present on North-West and South-East aspects. Gully tops, corrie rims, steep burn lines and ridge flanks will be most affected. Some limited redistribution occurring during the afternoon. Exposed locations wind scoured and icy. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: A mostly dry night and morning with some light precipitation during the afternoon, falling as insignificant snow, initially above 700 metres, rising to 1050 metres by the end of the period. Light North-Easterly winds first thing, veering and increasing in strength to become fresh East-South-Easterly. Freezing level 600 metres overnight, rising to 1100 metres by the late afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Light precipitation overnight and first thing this morning, falling as snow above 550 metres. A dry day with variable cloud: Some areas in sunshine, others were cloud covered. Winds were near gale force West-South-Westerly initially, becoming gale force Westerly at summit level, during the morning. Freezing level 650 to 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Localised areas of unstable windslab have formed in wind sheltered locations only, on mainly North to East aspects above 900 metres. Localised pockets have also formed on North-West and South-East aspects at this altitude, due to variable winds and cross-loading. The very tops of gullies, around sharply defined corrie rims and ridge flanks are most affected. Exposed areas are wind-scoured, firm and icy. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.