As can be seen from the photo taken a few days ago from the Cerro de Caballo, winter still has the Sierra Nevada firmly in it’s grip. This may affect forthcoming treks such as the famous “Los Tres Miles” trek which aims to cover all the major 3000m plus peaks of the range in a 5 day push.
It may be close to 30 deg in the towns and valleys of the Alpujarras but in the high Sierra Nevada winter remains. The photo below is taken from the summit of Cerro de Caballo (3009m) and looks northwards over the Tajos Altos and Cartujo peaks to Veleta (3398m). The valley of the Rio Lanjaron lies to the right.
From the Cerro de Caballo summit north towards Veleta
Crampons and ice axes are necessary above 2700m and extensive winter slopes and conditions will be encountered, except some south facing ridge crests such as the south ridge of Mulhacen and the south ridge of Tajos de los Machos, which are clear of snow. In the Rio Lanjaron there are 10m + snow depths and 3m + generally.
We have some 5 day treks starting in June covering all the 3000+ metre peaks in a 5 day trek. “Los Tres Miles” is a superb trek but the full traverse may be in doubt because of the snow and ice still remaining. Certainly, winter experience will be necessary and additional weights carried. We shall make a call regarding suitability to all attendees in due course when we have further accessed the conditions.
We have been supporting a self guided group setting off from Jerez de Marsquesado and returning to Lanjaron attempting a north to south Los Tres Miles. When they return I will provide a report of their experiences.
There is still sufficient snow for ski touring, snowshoeing or generally having a good time in the white stuff!