Northern Cairngorms

NC for 29.3: Isolated windslab on steep wind sheltered N, E to SE aspects above 950m. Old patchy snow stable. Low Hazard.

NC for 29.3: Isolated windslab on steep wind sheltered N, E to SE aspects above 950m. Old patchy snow stable. Low Hazard.

Forecast Snow Stability: Shallow accumulations of windslab will continue to develop on North through East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. Instabilities will be isolated and affect steep wind sheltered areas such as the tops of gullies, coire rims, ridge flanks and steep rollovers. Elsewhere the old sparse snowpack will remain stable, firm on Northerly aspects and softer on sun affected slopes. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Light snowfall will clear during the early evening, then further showers expected though the afternoon falling as snow mainly above 1000 metres. Gale force Westerly winds will increase to storm force during the day and back South-South-Westerly in direction. The 800 metre freezing level will rise to above the summits by midday. Observed Weather Influences: Squally snow showers above 900 metres. Winds were gale force West-South-Westerly. The freezing level at midday was 1000 metres. ObservedSnowStability: There has been a dusting of snow above 800 metres. Isolated accumulations of windslab have developed on North-East to South-East aspects above 950 metres. Some instability was noted within deeper deposits in steep wind sheltered locations but in the main these accumulations are stabilising and well bonded. Elsewhere the old patchy snowpack is well bonded and stable, firm on Northerly aspects and softening on sun affected slopes. The avalanche hazard is Low.