This is our final update of the season—summer is here in the high mountains. We bid farewell to a winter season we’ll always remember and kick off a summer season that we hope will allow us to enjoy plenty of nature and the mountains.
Summary of weather data at 2.000 m:
Forecast: (meteomuntanya.cat and @meteocattv)
Mountain Conditions:
There are still a few snowdrifts at the bases of ridges or slopes, as well as some confined snow-filled gullies, but these will disappear very soon. Until they’ve completely melted away, you can always go around the snowdrift if you find it’s not safe to cross. These days, carrying a pair of lightweight crampons in your backpack can save you from a dangerous slip.
During the summer, keep in mind that there are risks that are just as dangerous—if not more so—than avalanches or slipping:
Thunderstorms: Avoid hiking after noon on days with unstable weather. Stay away from ridges, peaks, and isolated trees.
Heavy downpours—if we can’t find shelter, our body temperature will drop gradually and could lead to hypothermia. Even so, we may encounter torrents or rivers that are difficult to cross; don’t underestimate the power of the water.
Strong winds can destabilize us and, above all, rob us of body heat, which can also lead to hypothermia.
Heatstroke: Spending many hours in the sun without protection can lead to severe heatstroke. Wear a hat, and be sure to protect your skin from sunburn as well.
Heatstroke, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly common even in the mountains.
Dehydration. With the summer heat and physical exertion, it’s easy to run out of water. If you’re hiking along the coast, it can be difficult to find natural water sources. You need to plan ahead and bring a water purification system.
Fog: Even the most experienced mountaineer cannot make headway in foggy conditions without a navigation system—such as a map and compass—or a GPS device with sufficient battery power.
Snow and frost. Let’s not forget that we’ll be hiking on peaks at around 3,000 meters, and even in the middle of August we’ve seen the mountains covered in snow. Check the weather reports and mountain forecasts from #meteomuntanya.
