Southern Cairngorms

SC 23.22 Avalanches likely on steep wind sheltered terrain, N through E to S aspects above 800m. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

SC 23.22 Avalanches likely on steep wind sheltered terrain, N through E to S aspects above 800m. Avalanche hazard Considerable.

Forecast Snow Stability: Unstable windslab will develop mainly on North through East to South aspects above 800 metres. Avalanches are likely in steep wind sheltered terrain such as gully tops, around scarp slopes and on convex slopes. Unstable cornices will also develop. Elsewhere, there will be occasional unstable deeper drifts at low levels with any exposed ground being scoured or bare. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: There will be snowfall throughout the forecasted period. Initially the freezing level will be around 600 metres but will briefly rise to around 800 metres before dropping again late morning. Winds, at least gale force mainly South-Westerly, occasionally and briefly varying. Observed Weather Influences: Overnight there was a brief rise in the freezing level. Plus 2 degrees being recorded at 930 metres but lowering down to sub 800 metres during the morning. Light snow showers in the afternoon to glen level. Winds were very strong and generally Westerly during the day. ObservedSnowStability: Due to a thaw freeze cycle the majority of the snowpack has a melt freeze crust helping stabilise recent deposits. But moderately bonded windslab persists in steep wind sheltered terrain on North through East to South aspects above 1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.