Snow and Avalanche Report

Southern Cairngorms - Issued 13/03/2010

Avalanche Hazard Forecast

FOR PERIOD 18:00HRS Sat 13/03/2010 TO 18:00HRS Sun 14/03/2010

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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Forecasted Weather Influences

The North-westerly airflow will continue with freezing levels staying quite high and showers becoming more persistent on Sunday. Snow will be at only the highest elevations.

Forecasted Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard

Small pockets of weakly bonded slab will develop on East to South aspects above 900 metres where avalanches are likely. Cornices will be weaker. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Observed Avalanche Hazard - Sat 13/03/2010

Observed Weather Influences

There were some afternoon rain showers up to 1000 metres with strong North-West winds for most of the day.

Observed Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard

There is a moist snow surface up to 1000m. At 950 metres on a Westerly aspect the snowpack throughout is in the -2 degree range 10 centimetres below the surface and is mostly dry and well bonded. The surface instability is isolated to the steepest aspects from 800-1000 metres. The avalanche hazard is Moderate.

Mountain Conditions
Snow DistributionMoist surface, skiable in most places.
IcingShould become more exposed in the next couple of days.
CommentDeeper and mid-pack is still good stability, although some of the lingering weaknesses persist.

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