The recent very strong wind and rains to the Sierra Nevada and the whole of Andalucia have brought fresh snowfall above 1800m. There are two main dangers at this time:
Difficult conditions in the Sierra Nevada
(1) Where the gale force winds have blasted away the snow on exposed ridges and faces there is transparent ice. You may be the best ice axe braker in the world but you are not going to arrest a fall on this stuff! Utmost caution is required, even on gentle slopes.
(2) On north and north east slopes there is much accumulated snow in avalanche condition. Recent slides have been noticed in the Coral de Veleta and on the northern side of the range. In particular watch the 3 main blackspots at (a) Paso de los Machos, (b) approaching the Elorrieta from the north (c) the bowl SW of Mulhacen summit above the Rio approach path.
See http://www.spanishhighs.co.uk/snais.html for further details.
In addition the forecast is for extremely low temperatures and further mixed weather in the forthcoming week. Timing is critical for ventures into the mountains at this time. Check reliable weather forecasts before you set out.
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