Northern Cairngorms

NC for 17.1:Avalanches likely on NE-SE aspects above 950m. Snowpack instabilities on many other aspects. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

NC for 17.1:Avalanches likely on NE-SE aspects above 950m. Snowpack instabilities on many other aspects. Cornices! Considerable Haz.

Forecast Snow Stability: Windslab will continue to develop, and become increasingly unstable especially during the afternoon. Avalanches are likely on NE to SE aspects. Areas especially affected will be above 950m in steep, convex areas, such as gully exits, corrie rims and crag aprons. Cornices will be unstable. On the same aspects below 950m, localised instabilities will affect steep banks and shallow gullies. Snowpack instabilities will persist on many other aspects. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Mainly dry with Moderate Westerly winds, becoming strong West-North-West during the afternoon. Freezing level around 200m. Observed Weather Influences: Moderate Westerly winds with snow showers throughout the day. Summit temperature -10C, freezing at all levels. ObservedSnowStability: Unstable windslab has become more widespread on North-East to South-East aspects above 950m. Older snowpack instabilities and cross loading were evident on S through W to N aspects. The greatest instability is within steep and convex terrain such as corrie rims, gully exits and crag aprons. Fragile cornices overhang these aspects. Below 950m, snowpack instabilities are generally localised, with shallow gullies and steep banks most affected. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.