Northern Cairngorms

NC 04.01 Avalanches likely on steep, convex NW to NE asp. above 900m. Localised below, also E and W asp. Cornices! Haz Considerable

NC 04.01 Avalanches likely on steep, convex NW to NE asp. above 900m. Localised below, also E and W asp. Cornices! Haz Considerable

Forecast Snow Stability: Overnight, as the snowpack becomes saturated, it will become increasingly unstable with avalanches likely on steep, convex North-West to North-East aspects above 900m. Localised instabilities on W and E aspects and steep banks below 900m. Areas most affected will be corrie rims, gully tops and the leeward side of ridge crests. Unstable cornices will overhang these aspects. During the day as the freezing level lowers the snowpack will become more stable. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Forecast Weather Influences: Fresh South-Easterly winds veering through South to become Westerly. Rain overnight at all levels; showers dying out in the morning to leave a dry day. The freezing level will be well above the summits overnight, falling to around 1000m during the day. Observed Weather Influences: Gale force Southerly winds, eased later in the day. Heavy rain in the morning, falling as snow above 800 meters. The freezing level rose from 600 to 800 meters. ObservedSnowStability: Drifting snow. Windslab developed throughout the day on NW to NE aspects above 900m. Areas most affected are corrie headwalls, gully tops and the leeward side of ridge crests. W and E aspects were also affected due to cross loading. Fragile cornices are present on these aspects. Below 900m, localised areas of unstable windslab were present in steep wind sheltered locations. Debris from recent avalanche activity, observed at 550m and 1100m on N aspect. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.