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Mountain condition reports
The unprecedented dangers in the Sierra Nevada mountains this winter
The tragic freak death of an experienced, much loved 58 year old mountain guide from Granada, has demonstrated the unprecedented perils of this winter season in Spain’s Sierra Nevada. Heavy rain and gale force winds have brought a series of blizzard conditions to the high mountains since mid-December. What are the dangers and how do we deal with them?
Sierra Nevada mountain and snow conditions 1st March 2010
The mixed, unsettled weather has continued and brought further snow to the Sierra Nevada, however the avalanche dangers are reducing quickly due to the high temperatures in recent days, and large areas of ice occur above 2500m. More heavy snowfalls to come this coming week will make mountain excursions interesting to say the least!
Sierra Nevada plastered with new snow and ice and more to come
The photograph below of the north west face of Alcazaba was taken yesterday in a brief lull between bad weather fronts. Hardly any rock shows through. The line of the Espolon de Alcazaba is clearly seen, highlighted by the shadows behind.
Update on Sierra Nevada mountain conditions 9th Feb 2010
The coming week will see mixed weather. High winds and some snow showers for the next few days followed by heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions for the weekend. Snow level is down to 1800m this morning, will lower tomorrow, before rising to 2000m by the weekend.
High temperatures, ice and windslab conditions
The long awaited settled spell of weather has arrived and with it unseasonally high temperatures. This has allowed rapid consolidation of the snowpack above 2000m. Large areas of ice exist especially on ridges. On north and east facing slopes windslab has been reported. Varying mountain conditions requiring extreme care.
Warning of ice and avalanche activity in the Sierra Nevada
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:
(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 [...]
Heavy snow all week until 27th December above 2700m brings avalanche dangers
The predicted unsettled weather has arrived and it has been steadily pouring down now for the past two days. The forecast for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in the high mountains shows no improvement. The snow will be accompanied by high winds, some of between 150km and 190km per hour are predicted over the festive period.
Snow and Ice update 20th December 2009
The crests of ridges have much transparent ice around. Ice axe and crampons are essential. You can see the amount of snow from this photo taken today from the summit of the Cerro de Caballo and looking into the Rio Lanjaron towards Veleta. Much better than we had anticipated.
White blanket of snow over the Sierra Nevada at last
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.
Where is the snow in the Sierra Nevada this year?
It is now 22nd November and we still haven’t had any significant snowfalls in the Sierra Nevada. The high temperatures of recent weeks has also meant abandonment of snow making at the ski centre, which was hoping to open in a weeks time. However there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Contrast this……………..
With this………………
What a difference a year [...]
