Developing windslab and weak snowpack in places.
4th December 2023
From a largely unconsolidated snow cover, the recent winds have started to drift snow and form windslab in specific wind sheltered places. Cold temperatures have produced conditions for the growth of crystals within the snowpack which have formed loose square grains called facets. Additionally cold clear nights has helped with the growth of surface hoar grains which although pretty and fragile surface crystals, when buried by snow they present weak layers at depth. These are the conditions at the moment and although snow cover is mostly unconsolidated, where windslab is present ( in specific places as indicated in the report) this may overlie weak layers at depth.
Evening light illuminating Meall a Buachaille
Milky flat light on the Fiachail of Coire Chais
Looking into Coire an Lochain
2-3mm facetted grains and striated depth hoar sample from ground level at 1000m on a NW aspect. These grains have grown during the current cold period and present a weak layer in the snowpack.
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