Northern Cairngorms

NC for 26.12.22. Old snowpack stable. New, localised windslab abv 950m on N,NE,E aspects .Hazard moderate

NC for 26.12.22. Old snowpack stable. New, localised windslab abv 950m on N,NE,E aspects .Hazard moderate

Forecast Snow Stability: The old snowpack will refreeze and be stable and firm in all areas. Fresh windslab accumulations will start to build in localised wind sheltered places mostly above 950m on mainly North to Easterly aspects. Generally accumulations will be shallow and avoidable but some deeper unstable areas may form, especially in gully tops and around coire headwalls. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate

Forecast Weather Influences: Overnight and during the day the freezing level will be around 400m. Dry overnight with snow showers throughout the day. Winds light Westerly overnight becoming strong West-South-Westerly during the day. Observed Weather Influences: A very mild and cloudy day with light rain during the morning below 1100m or so. Freezing level above the summits overnight slowly lowering during the day to around 900m or so by midday. Winds moderate to light Westerly. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack has consolidated and stabilised in the mild conditions. Some residual instability remains but is largely confined to deep snow accumulations on North-West through North to East aspects above 1000m. Steep convex terrain, coire headwalls and gully tops most affected. Elsewhere the snowpack is stable with many areas firm and icy. Cornices on these aspects threaten slopes below with possible collapse. The avalanche hazard is Moderate