Northern Cairngorms

NC for 16.02 Old snow firm and well bonded. New localised windslab on N to E asp above 1000m Fragile cornices developing. Low Hazard

NC for 16.02 Old snow firm and well bonded. New localised windslab on N to E asp above 1000m Fragile cornices developing. Low Hazard

Forecast Snow Stability: The old snowpack, found mostly on North through East to South-East facing slopes above 950 meters will remain firm, icy and well bonded. Localised, shallow and generally avoidable accumulations of windslab will continue to develop on North to East aspects above 1000 metres. Areas most affected will be steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims and gully tops where the deposits will gain depth. Here also, fragile cornices will develop. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: South-Westerly winds, will be storm force during the evening. They will gradually ease through the night, becoming fresh around mid morning before gaining in strength again during the afternoon. Light, evening snow showers will disperse to give a largely dry day. The 800 metre freezing level will rise to around 1000 metres during the day. Observed Weather Influences: Storm force Southerly winds veered to the South-West and eased to become gale force during the morning. Snow showers, heavy during the morning became lighter and more isolated. The freezing level was around 1000 metres. ObservedSnowStability: The old snowpack, mainly found on North through East to South-East apsects above 900 metres, remains firm, icy and well bonded. New, localised and shallow accumulations of windslab have developed on North to East aspects above 1000 metres. Areas most affected are steep wind sheltered locations, such as coire rims and gully tops where the deposits have started to gain depth. The avalanche hazard is Low.