Southern Cairngorms - Issued 3/2/2012
Avalanche Hazard Forecast
FOR PERIOD 18:00HRS Fri 3/2/2012 TO 18:00HRS Sat 4/2/2012
| Hazard Level | Avalanche Probability |
| Low | Natural Avalanches very unlikely. Human triggered avalanches not likely. |
| Moderate | Natural Avalanches unlikely. Human triggered avalanches possible. |
| Considerable | Natural Avalanches possible. Human triggered avalanches are likely. |
| High | Natural and Human triggered avalanches will occur. |
| Very High | Widespread Natural and Human triggered avalanches will occur. |
| VIEW EUROPEAN AVALANCHE HAZARD SCALE FOR FURTHER DETAILS | |
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 Distribution | Variable snow with a mix of drifts and firm neve. |
| Icing | Some good ice in places. Higher buttresses white. |
| Comment | Surface 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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