Northern Cairngorms

NC for 25.12.22. Unstable deep windslab on NW,N,NE,E aspects above 950m also W+E. Gen good elsewhere. Hazard Considerable

NC for 25.12.22. Unstable deep windslab on NW,N,NE,E aspects above 950m also W+E. Gen good elsewhere. Hazard Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will continue to gain depth affecting mostly steep places at higher elevations, mainly on NW through N to E aspects above 950m. Gully tops, coire headwalls and ridge flanks especially affected. Here also cornices will become more fragile and liable to collapse. Also W and E aspects affected due to cross-loading. Elsewhere stability generally good. During the afternoon on Christmas Day stability will improve as it gets colder. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Forecast Weather Influences: Freezing level will remain at summit levels overnight and during Christmas day morning, then from midday lowering to 400m or so by the end of the period. Precipitation falling as sleet or snow on the tops overnight will be light showers in the daytime. Winds strong to gale force South-South-Westerly overnight and during the morning will lessen in strength becoming moderate to fresh Westerly during the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Strong to gale force South-Easterly winds increasing in strength during the day especially on the tops and exposed ridges. Significant drifting. Freezing level rising from 600m to summit level after midday. Snowfall overnight then light snow during the morning and a dry afternoon. ObservedSnowStability: New poorly bonded windslab has formed deep accumulations on mostly steep West through North to North-Easterly aspects above 950 metres, ridge flanks, gully tops and coire headwalls most affected. Crossloaded windslab accumulations on W and NE aspects also. Weak cornices also forming on same aspects. Below 950m stability is generally good on all aspects. The avalanche hazard is Considerable