The candle wept, so would it seem that winter is over? For now, it’s still Groundhog Day here, with a continuous stream of fronts and precipitation not seen since 1996. A record-breaking year. Be that as it may, the valley looks better than ever!
Summary of weather data at 2,000 meters:
Forecast: (meteomuntanya.cat and @meteocattv)
Saturday with clear skies and Sunday a new front with precipitation.
Snowpack:
The purpose of this blog is to inform you about the location and condition of the snow in our valleys, providing you with an additional tool for planning your outings. Currently, IT’S POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL ALMOST ANYWHERE, but the limiting factor this season is the avalanche risk. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to assess your routes based on the information you receive.
The strong north-northeast winds on Saturday generated new slabs of snow on the opposite, south-southwest, aspects. Subsequently, we received wet snow with westerly fronts, creating new slabs on the opposite, easterly side. There was even sleet at the 2,000m level. All of this is making the snowpack damp, and the nighttime frosts are creating refreezing, crusts that make skiing difficult but are gradually strengthening the snowpack. However, until temperatures rise significantly, wind-driven slabs will remain the main hazard.
Consult the BPA, currently the risk is 2 out of 5. Plan based on the information, review the safety progression protocols, and conduct research practices with DVA, shovel, and probe.
On the Camí Vell, we find snow starting at 1600 meters, shortly before the Cremal bridge. The current snow accumulation at the top of the road creates conditions akin to mountaineering, where the path is buried in snow and even a small slip could send you plummeting into the abyss with potentially fatal consequences. Furthermore, depending on the snowfall, avalanche prevention measures are being carried out, resulting in the CLOSURE of the Fontalba and Camí Vell roads.
Fontalba is inaccessible by car due to snow accumulation on the last 2-3 km. The path to Núria is in mountaineering condition. It is NOT RECOMMENDED for people without avalanche awareness and proper equipment. This path is exposed to natural and preventative avalanches depending on snowfall.
The Engineers‘ Path is covered in snow, so it is not advisable, throughout the winter season, to pass through areas where a slip could have fatal consequences.
