Southern Cairngorms - Issued 08/02/2010
Avalanche Hazard Forecast
FOR PERIOD 18:00HRS Mon 08/02/2010 TO 18:00HRS Tue 09/02/2010
| 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
Temperatures will remain cool in the developing Arctic ridge, weather situation. Winds will continue from the North-East changing to Northerly in the day with snow showers.
Forecasted Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard
Areas of poorly bonded wind slab will be mainly on South through South-West to North-West aspects above 850 metres where avalanches are likely. The deeper snowpack will continue to be strong in the continued cold temperatures. The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.
Observed Avalanche Hazard - Mon 08/02/2010
Observed Weather Influences
The freezing level fell to the lower levels in the highland glens. Across the tops the winds were light to moderate North-Easterly with some light snow showers earlier in the day. In the afternoon the cloud base went up with occasional small clear breaks in the sky.
Observed Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard
Lee slopes (sheltered terrain), mostly South-West to West aspects above 850 metres, have alternate zones of bare neve and a new weakly bonded wind slab. In some other places (West to North-West aspects above 900 metres) there is a soft layer of unconsolidated snow between two crusts. An avalanche was reported on a West aspect at 850 metres. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.
Mountain Conditions
| Snow Distribution | Nearly perfect mid-winter conditions above 750 metres; neve zones alternate with extensive newly redistributed snow cover. Great skiing on lower angles, watch for neve to new snow transition zones |
| Icing | Temperature goes down; ice growth goes up. |
| Comment | The avalanche reported this afternoon is a reminder that avalanche activity is still a very real possibility, even with cooling and very little new snow. It’s a big winter and nearly half over. Take care. |
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