This week we have enjoyed sunshine and good weather thanks to the anticyclonic respite, which unfortunately will come to an end on Saturday with a new week of passing fronts and higher snow levels. We have now had a taste of calm, sunny days and we are already looking forward to the next ones, which will not be long in coming. March is here, and spring is just around the corner.
Summary of weather data at 2.000 m:
Forecast: (meteomuntanya.cat and @meteocattv)
Snowpack:
We continue to have above-average snowfall for this time of year. Snow starts at 1,700 meters on the north-facing slopes and around 1,900 meters on the south-facing slopes. There is 1 meter of snow at 2,000 meters and over 1.5 meters at higher altitudes. There is snow on all slopes and orientations. Any route you can imagine is still feasible. The ridges facing north have been stripped bare.
A week marked by high temperatures, above the February average, and strong sunshine. On southern slopes, there have even been basal slides. Overall, the snowpack is in spring conditions today, Friday. With hard snow early in the day and melting of the outer layer around midday, depending on the orientation, it allows for some memorable skiing. At low altitudes and at midday, the snowpack is melting throughout its entire thickness. The snow is heavy and difficult to move.
The avalanche risk has risen to 3 out of 5 on southern slopes and during the middle of the day. Check the BPA for details of current risks. Don’t forget your avalanche safety equipment, such as an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. Practice using them.
This weekend, a weather front will pass through, bringing little precipitation, but it may be in the form of rain depending on the altitude. It looks like another front with more precipitation will also visit us during the coming week.
Spring snow poses risks in the morning due to falls on hard snow and ice. Whatever activity we are going to do, whether it be ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, or mountaineering, we must carry progression equipment such as ice axes, crampons, and helmets.
On the Camí vell, we find snow above 1,800 m, starting at Pla de Sallent. The current accumulation of snow at the top of the path means that, early in the morning, it is suitable for mountaineering, where the path is covered by snow, the snow is frozen, and a small slip can send us plummeting into the void with serious consequences. NOT RECOMMENDED for people without winter equipment or experience.
You can almost reach Fontalba by car, almost to the top of the pass. The path leading to Nuria is suitable for mountaineering, so it is essential to carry safety equipment such as an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet. NOT RECOMMENDED for people who are not familiar with avalanches and do not have the appropriate equipment. This path is exposed to natural and preventive avalanches depending on snowfall and rising temperatures.
The Enginyers trail is covered in snow and it is not advisable to walk through areas where a slip could have fatal consequences during the entire winter season.
