Northern Cairngorms

Snow & Avalanche Report
From: 18:00HRS Wed 08/02/2012 to 18:00HRS Thu 09/02/2012

Compas-rose

Hazard Legend

Natural Avalanches very unlikely.
Human triggered avalanches not likely.

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Natural Avalanches unlikely.
Human triggered avalanches possible.

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Natural Avalanches possible.
Human triggered avalanches are likely.

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Natural and Human triggered
avalanches will occur.

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Widespread Natural and Human triggered avalanches will occur.

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Avalanche Hazard Forecast

Weather Influences

The freezing level will be at 2000 metres for the forecast period. Occasionally heavy rain overnight with moderate South-West winds. Rain lessening in the day with light Westerly winds.

Snow Stabilty Forecast

The snow pack will become saturated in the surface layers, which will lead to further instability of the poorly bonded windslab on mainly North-West through North to East aspects above 900 metes where avalanches are likely. Elsewhere much of the ground is scoured and the limited snow pack though moist will be well bonded and stable. Cornices will be prone to collapse. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.

Observed Avalanche Hazard Today Wed 08/02/2012

Observed Weather Influences

It was a dry cloudy day with strong Southerly winds and drifting of existing snow. Temperatures remained below freezing on the summits.

Observed Snow Stability

Windslab accumulations have been forming on mainly North-West through North to East aspects above 900 metres, field observations noted cracking underfoot of the windslab in these locations, this is due to the continued development of a weak, sugar like, faceted grains. Recent avalanche crown wall noted on North-East facing slope at 1000 metres. Other aspects are scoured and the snow pack is stable. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.

Mountain Conditions

Snow Distribution

Cover fair on non scoured slopes above 750 metres.

Icing

Recent build up continues...for now! Paths very slippy underfoot.

Comment

Anticipated rise of freezing level to 2000 metres.

Other Useful Information