The following mountain condition report was issued by the Junta de Andalucia in their Safety Campaign for the Sierra National Park mountains this winter. Information at February 24, 2012.
All areas
Very irregular distribution of the snow, hard snow areas / frost / ice, bare ground (rock). Lower areas no snow.
Hoya de la Mora – Veleta
Access Road A-395 is clear.
Snow level: first snows at approx. 1500m.
Carihuela bivouac: has some snow in the interior.
Poqueira
Snow level: 2100m, depending slope orientation.
You can reach the Acequia Alta but it is more complicated thereafter.
Recommended access to Poqueira Refuge: Central Electric Cebadilla
Refugio Caldera from Refugio Poqueira: Rio Mulhacén
Carihuela bivouac: in good conditions.
Caballo
Access: From Niguelas to Fuentefría in bad condition.
Snow level: approx. 1800m
Genil
Snow level: approx. 1200m. Some snow on Vereda de Estrella
Postero Alto – Alhorí
Snow level: approx. 1900m. Some ice and accumulated powder.
Difficult access to the Postero Alto Refugio. 4WD and chains essential.
Ragua
GR-337 access road and Puerto de la Ragua (2000m.) without snow
Snow level: approx 1500m (North) and 1800m (South)
WARNING: – Essential for ice axe and crampons
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before starting any activity
- Do not undertake any activity unless you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
- Try to take the phone battery fully charged
- In adverse conditions dont continue your activity.
- Avoid going out alone, if you do the let people know route and expected time of return
PHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES
- Central Emergency: 112
- Sierra Nevada weather forecasts www.aemet.es www.meteoexploration.com eltiempo.es
- Refugio Poqueira: 958343349/958064111/659554224 www.refugiopoqueira.com
- Refugio Postero Height: 616506083/958066110 www.refugioposteroalto.es
- Dornajo Visitor Centre: 958340625
- Laujar Visitor Centre: 950513548
- Pampaneira Information: 958763127
- Capileira Information: 958763090/686414576