Winter lingers, is this the final blow? However it continues, this week we’ve already enjoyed some days of truly spring-like snow conditions, and as you know, that’s pure bliss for backcountry skiers! The weekend will bring some precipitation and strong winds that will likely whip up a blizzard.
Summary of weather data at 2.000 m:
Forecast: (meteomuntanya.cat and @meteocattv)
Saturday: Strong winds will arrive and continue throughout Sunday and Monday morning.
Snowpack:
Another week in which the snow hasn’t melted much at 2,000 m and has even added a few centimeters at higher elevations. We continue to have an excess of snow for this time of year. Snow is present above 1,800 m in shaded areas and around 2,000 m on sunny slopes. There is a snow depth of 70 cm at the 2,000 m level and more than 1.5 m at higher elevations. Snow covers all slopes except the south-facing slopes, which are beginning to melt and vegetation is emerging. A wide range of routes are available, avoiding south-facing slopes. The north-facing ridges are bare.
This week’s frosts have hardened the snowpack at lower elevations. We’re already seeing spring snow, which, as you know, poses risks in the morning due to falls on hard snow and ice. However, once it receives daytime sunlight, the surface layer melts, allowing for pleasant skiing. Regardless of the activity you choose—whether ski touring, snowshoeing, or mountaineering—you must carry the necessary equipment for progression, such as an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet.
Today, Friday, the avalanche risk is 2/5 above 2,300 meters and 1/5 below. This is mainly due to meltwater avalanches on south-facing slopes during the middle of the day. However, with the forecast of blizzards, new slabs will form on south-southeast facing slopes. Stay tuned to the Avalanche Hazard Bulletin. Don’t forget your safety equipment, such as a shovel, avalanche transceiver, and probe.
On the Camí Vell, we find snow starting from Pla de Sallent. The current accumulation of snow at the top of the trail makes it difficult to navigate in the mornings, where the path is buried in snow and the snow is icy. Even a small slip could send you plummeting into the abyss with serious consequences. This route is NOT RECOMMENDED for people without proper equipment or winter experience.
At Fontalba, you can drive almost to the pass. The path leading to Núria is in mountaineering condition, and it is essential to carry safety equipment such as an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet. This route is NOT RECOMMENDED for people without avalanche awareness and the appropriate equipment. This path is exposed to both natural and preventative avalanches, depending on snowfall and rising temperatures.
The Enginyers‘ Path is covered in snow and is not recommended throughout the winter season due to areas where a slip could have fatal consequences.
