Northern Cairngorms

NC for 05.01.22 Unstable windslab NE, E, SE, S aspects above 800m. Cross loading on other aspects. Fragile cornices. Moderate Haz.

NC for 05.01.22 Unstable windslab NE, E, SE, S aspects above 800m. Cross loading on other aspects. Fragile cornices. Moderate Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: A combination of new snow and the redistribution of existing snow will result in the continual development of unstable windslab on North-East through East to South aspects above 800 metres. Other aspects will be affected due to cross loading. Greatest instabilities will be around corrie rims, gully exits and crag aprons. Fragile cornices will continue to develop. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: Gale force North-Westerly winds will gradually ease strong to moderate during the day. Snow showers will become scattered overnight, finally clearing away by dawn. The freezing level will be around 400 metres. Observed Weather Influences: A cold day with frequent snow showers, some of these merging. Strong winds from the North-West. The freezing level was around 200 metres. ObservedSnowStability: There has been new snow at all levels. Deeper accumulations are found in sheltered terrain features mainly above 600 metres. Unstable windslab has developed on steep locations on North-East through East to South aspects above 800 metres. Others aspects are affected due to crossroading. Fragile cornices have started to build. The sparse old snowpack remains firm and stable. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.