Unstable windslab…..

18th January 2021

Covid -19

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service issues information to support permitted activity under current Scottish Government guidance.

Please be aware of current mandatory travel restrictions in Local Authority areas within Scotland and respect local communities by referring to Scottish Government guidance and safe route choices for exercise.

This blog is intended to provide hazard and mountain condition information to help plan safer mountain trips.

Wind Slab - Snow that has been deposited by the wind forming an avalanche danger. It can be soft or hard slab depending on the strength of the wind that has formed it, and it is most likely to be weakly bonded and unstable, found mainly on lee slopes.

The freezing level fluctuated during this period but was around 650 metres at midday. Snow showers fell mainly above 600 metres with fresh to strong West-South-Westerly winds. Unstable windslab  is present in steep sheltered locations mainly on North-West through North to South-East aspects above 800 metres, field tests showed several weaknesses in the snowpack. Fragile cornices also exist above similar aspects. Slope aspects exposed to the strong winds are generally stable. The avalanche hazard is Considerable.

https://www.facebook.com/GlenmoreLodge/videos/wind-slab-cornices-avalanche-hazards-what-does-this-mean-for-decision-making-out/205849407330578/

Southerly aspect of the Aonach Eagach Ridge.

Looking into Stob coire nan Lochan northerly aspect.

The West summit of Bidean nam Bian with An-t-Sron on the right.

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