The CPU load-average on an NPM-8600 is running at 15.00. This is considered default behavior for an NPM-8600. The CPU load-average is arbitrary. The cpu-utilization-average is a significant number. Use the commands below to check both values.
XOS# show cpu load-average
CPU load average for np1:
for last 1 minute: 15.00
for last 5 minutes: 15.00
for last 15 minutes: 15.00
XOS3# show cpu utilization-average
CPU utilization average for np1:
for last 1 minute: 0.68
for last 5 minutes: 0.72
for last 15 minutes: 0.70