Yes, at last this weekend we had some snow. All looks white on the Sierra Nevada webcams this morning. Before you run for your skis however, a warning that this is all a bit superficial. In reality, only a foot or so (25cm) has fallen. There is no base to speak of so it may be some time yet before the ski centre can open. Some more snow showers are forecast for this coming week.
For mountaineers the outlook looks much better. Temperatures are to remain very cold all week above 2500m (See Mulhacen summit forecast). When the snow consolidates there should be good conditions, especially for mixed climbing routes.
What is good for ski touring is not necessarily good for mountaineering. Last year, when we had a bumper snow year with skiing until June and 5m snow depths, the mountaineering was at times very hard going in deep snow, despite snowshoes. This year is likely to be a lean one, but this just means that conditions will favour the mountaineer instead.
Webcams views morning 30th November 2009
