Windslab
15th March 2026
Another day designed to readily build windslab. Significant drifting was present all day, with tell tale wisps of blown snow around the coire rims and in steep wind sheltered locations.
Given the unseasonably large cornices present in the Northern Cairngorms, there are plenty of very steep wind sheltered areas around the coire rims which are augmenting the collecting zones for windslab deposits. Rather than the early season parabolic shaped plateau edge, mature cornices have resulted in an abrupt change of angle creating a novel situation. In short, snow is sticking easily despite the gale force wind.
This was evident today, along with the presence of avalanche debris under many of the classic gullies in Coire an t-Sneachda. This is a particularly windy coire in contrast to the sheltered slopes in Coire an Lochain or the East aspects slopes beneath Cnap Coire na Spreidhe. All of these areas will have a high index of potential for windslab development over the next 24 hours.
Also of note is the potential for a period of instability right at the end of the day as temperatures rise. There is the potential for cornice collapse and associated triggered avalanches during this period. Be alert to the changing temperature, and consider the timing of any mountain activity.
The avalanche hazard will be Considerable.
Looking up the Fiacaill a’Choire Chais. Note the very firm and icy snow surface in the foreground, and the contrast between the soft, chalky white windslab deposits around the rim of Coire Cas. These slopes are of an East and North-East aspect and will be accumulating unstable windslab.
A party gearing up in Coire a t-Sneachda. Another challenging day in the Northern Cairngorms, with gale force winds.
A transient bright spell allowed me to get this image of Alladdin’s Buttress. Well plastered in the current colder conditions.
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