A spring heat wave is melting away the remaining snow. Ten days of temperatures well above average have caused massive snowmelt. Highs are exceeding 20 °C, and nighttime lows are hovering around 10 °C. It looks like the weekend will bring more unstable weather, and we could see afternoon thunderstorms that will bring these sky-high temperatures down.
Summary of weather data at 2.000 m:
Forecast: (meteomuntanya.cat and @meteocattv)
Temperatures will remain well above average.
Snowpack:
From one week to the next, the change is dramatic. On Puigmal, the snow that had made it possible to ski or snowshoe there has disappeared, leaving behind isolated snowdrifts that won’t be long before they vanish. The rest of the valleys are in the same situation. Only the Noucreus Valley retains a thin strip of snow along the stream, allowing access to the final slope, which still has snow today but will lose its continuity in just a few days. There is more snow on the north face; but this is likely the last week we can still speak of a snowpack.
The risk of avalanches is very low in steep, sunny couloirs. The avalanche bulletin is now general in nature and does not include a numerical risk rating. However, if you are heading toward the Noucreus-Carançà area, don’t forget to bring self-rescue equipment such as a shovel, an avalanche transceiver, and a probe.
Remember that spring snow poses risks in the morning due to the risk of falling on hard snow and ice. However, once the sun hits it during the day, the surface layer melts, allowing for a pleasant ski experience. Regardless of the activity we plan to do—whether ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, or mountaineering—we must carry essential gear such as an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet. With these high temperatures, it’s best to head out very early to enjoy the snow before it gets completely saturated and makes skiing difficult, especially on south-facing slopes and at lower elevations.
Puigmal can now be climbed in non-winter conditions. We encountered isolated snowdrifts that we were able to avoid without too much difficulty, both via Fontalba and via Embut. If we have to descend toward the north face, it would be a good idea to bring at least crampons for safety; but on our side of the mountain, there’s hardly any snow left.
For the real die-hards—and if you don’t mind walking 20–30 minutes to the snowline along the Noucreus stream and having to take off your skis at some point—you can still head toward Carançà and find an interesting route. This will definitely be the last week we can do that.
For Pic de Segre, Finestrelles, Font Negra, Coma del Clot, and Torreneules, we can proceed just as we did on Puigmal, avoiding the few remaining snowdrifts. For Noufonts, however, the ascent to the pass and the final section do feature more solid snowdrifts, which will require us to carry safety equipment such as an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet.
The trail from Fontalba to Núria and the Camí Vell are now in summer mode, with no snow that could pose a danger. However, you will find several trees that have fallen due to the harsh winter conditions, with heavy snow and strong winds.
Although there is no snow in sight along the Enginyers Trail, keep in mind that it crosses two narrow ravines where the sun doesn’t reach very often. We will still encounter remnants of snowdrifts that can make the hike very difficult, especially if we encounter hard snow or slip. Keep in mind that the trail crosses very steep slopes, where a slip could be fatal. You must bring crampons and not hesitate to put them on, no matter how short the section. NOT RECOMMENDED for people without winter experience and the proper equipment.
