Snow and Avalanche Report

Southern Cairngorms - Issued 3/2/2012

Avalanche Hazard Forecast

FOR PERIOD 18:00HRS Fri 3/2/2012 TO 18:00HRS Sat 4/2/2012

compassRose
Hazard LevelAvalanche Probability
LowNatural Avalanches very unlikely.
Human triggered avalanches not likely.
ModerateNatural Avalanches unlikely.
Human triggered avalanches possible.
ConsiderableNatural Avalanches possible.
Human triggered avalanches are likely.
HighNatural and Human triggered avalanches will occur.
Very HighWidespread Natural and Human triggered avalanches will occur.
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localized  Localized Avalanche Hazard

Forecasted Weather Influences

After a dry night light snow showers will arrive by dawn and will continue through much of the day. Winds will be strong South-Westerly. The freezing level will gradually rise to 1000 metres for a time during the afternoon.

Forecasted Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard

New snowfall and drifting of existing deposits will form fresh areas of weakly bonded windslab on mainly North to East aspects above 800 metres where avalanches are likely. Other aspects will also be affected due to cross loading. Elsewhere the snowpack will generally be well bonded. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable

Observed Avalanche Hazard - Fri 3/2/2012

Observed Weather Influences

It has been another dry and sunny day with very cold temperatures. The wind has been light and from the South.

Observed Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard

The snowpack is generally stable but in isolated places in steeper sheltered locations on West to North aspects above 850 metres the snowpack is moderate to poorly bonded. Due to cold temperatures and strong temperature gradients facetted crystals are present at depth forming a weaker layer within the snowpack. The avalanche hazard is Moderate

Mountain Conditions
Snow DistributionVariable snow with a mix of drifts and firm neve.
IcingSome good ice in places. Higher buttresses white.
CommentSurface hoar crystals are widespread and will present a poor bond to any new snow. Very careful route selection required on Saturday

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