Northern Cairngorms

NC for 27/12. Snowfall, variable winds. Unstable windslab mainly, but not exclusively, on NW to NE aspects above 800m. Consid hazard

NC for 27/12. Snowfall, variable winds. Unstable windslab mainly, but not exclusively, on NW to NE aspects above 800m. Consid hazard

Forecast Snow Stability: Fresh snowfall combined with the re-distribution and drifting of existing snow will deposit areas of unstable windslab in wind sheltered locations above 800 metres. Most affected will be North-West to North-East aspects. However, West and East aspects will also be affected due to cross loading. Fresh cornices on same aspects, will be prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: After a dry night, a period of snow is expected though the morning. This will become more showery during the afternoon. Strong winds will be from the South-West overnight, and then from the South or South-East during the day. The freezing level will slowly rise during the day to around 1000 metres by the end of the afternoon. Observed Weather Influences: Snow showers fell overnight and through the day. It was cold, above 300 metres temperatures remained below freezing all day. Strong winds were from between the South-West and West. ObservedSnowStability: The existing previously damp snowpack has frozen in the cold conditions and is stable. Through the day areas of fresh unstable windslab has been deposited on North through East to South-East aspects above 800 metres. Although these areas of windslab were not particularly extensive, they were poorly bonded. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.