Northern Cairngorms

NC for 23.3. Snowpack firm with isolated and avoidable patchy windslab, NW,N,NE and E above 900m. Scoured elsewhere. Av Hazard Low.

NC for 23.3. Snowpack firm with isolated and avoidable patchy windslab, NW,N,NE and E above 900m. Scoured elsewhere. Av Hazard Low.

Forecast Snow Stability: The snowpack will be firm and consolidated in most locations. Fresh accumulations of shallow windslab will continue to be deposited on North-West through North to East aspects above 900 metres. These will generally be found in steep wind sheltered locations such as coire rims, headwalls and ridge flanks, where they will be isolated and avoidable. Small cornices will also develop. Slopes exposed to the wind will be scoured. The avalanche hazard will be Low.

Forecast Weather Influences: Overnight snow above 900 metres will precede an otherwise dry day. Winds will be Southerly, storm force overnight, veering South-South-Westerly and decreasing slightly to gale force during daylight hours. The freezing level will be around 900 metres at dawn, rising to 1100 metres by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: Precipitation continued throughout the day, initially rain at all elevations overnight followed by snow above 700 metres. Winds were storm force and from the South-West for the duration of the period. The freezing level was around 950 metres at midday. ObservedSnowStability: The snowpack is consolidated in most locations featuring a widespread firm but breakable crust. Fresh accumulations of isolated and avoidable windslab deposits were building during the day on North to East aspects above 900 metres. Steep wind sheltered locations such as ridge flanks and coire headwalls are particularly affected. Outwith these areas moist snow covers bare ground. The avalanche hazard is Low.