Northern Cairngorms

NC for 28.3:Avalanches likely SW, W, NW, N aspects above 950m, localised on NE aspects and below 950m. Cornices! Considerable Hazard

NC for 28.3:Avalanches likely SW, W, NW, N aspects above 950m, localised on NE aspects and below 950m. Cornices! Considerable Hazard

Forecast Snow Stability: Poorly bonded windslab will continue to develop on wind sheltered South-West through West to Northerly aspects mainly above 950m; here avalanches are likely. Areas especially affected will be coire rims, gully tops crag aprons and convexities. North-East aspects will be affected by cross loading. On these aspects below 950m localised instabilities will be present on steep banks and shallow gullies. Fragile cornices will continue to develop. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Strong to gale force South-South-East winds will back to become more Easterly in direction during the day. Snow showers overnight will clear, a dry morning will be followed by snowfall through the afternoon. The 1000 metre freezing level will fall to 600m overnight before steadily rising back to 1000m by the end of the day. Observed Weather Influences: Persistent snowfall on strong East-North-Easterly winds. The freezing level was around 700 metres. ObservedSnowStability: Poorly bonded windslab has developed on South-West through West to North aspects above 950 metres. Areas most affected are steep wind sheltered areas such as scarp slopes, gully exits, crag aprons and convexities. On these aspects below 950 metres these accumulations are more localised and confined to steep banks and shallow gullies. An avalanche was triggered on a North-West aspect at around 1050 metres. Fragile cornices are developing. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.