Southern Cairngorms

SC for 25.3. Windlab persists NE and E. New deposits NW to N as day progressed. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

SC for 25.3. Windlab persists NE and E. New deposits NW to N as day progressed. Avalanche Hazard Moderate.

Forecast Snow Stability: Moderately bonded windslab will persist on North-East to East aspects above 950 metres. As the day progresses further localised deposits of unstable windlab will build on North-West to North aspects above 950 metres. The greatest instability will be where these deposits are deeper in steep wind sheltered areas such as convexities, coire rims and gully tops. Outwith these locations the older snowpack will be firm and stable, with new snow above 550 metres. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate.

Forecast Weather Influences: A dry night will proceed precipitation falling as snow above 550 metres from mid morning. Winds will be moderate North-Easterly overnight veering to the East-South-East and increasing to strong by the end of the forecast period. The freezing level will fluctuate between 600 and 700 metres. Observed Weather Influences: Snow fell above 600 metres overnight, with squally snow showers persisting through the day above 700 metres. Winds were moderate to strong and of a North-North-Westerly direction at midday. The freezing level was around 900 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Moderately bonded windslab was present on North-East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. Accumulations show instability where they are deeper, such as in steep wind sheltered locations close to coire rims, in gully tops or where they form convexities. There is a thin covering of new snow above 700 metres. Elsewhere, the older snowpack is firm and stable, and quickly softened due to solar radiation. There is a thin covering of new snow above 700 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.