March wouldn’t be complete without a strong easterly wind! We’re in the midst of a textbook easterly wind event, with heavy precipitation that will force us to rethink our weekend plans. A high snow level is causing significant variations around 2,100 meters. Accumulations above this level could be substantial in some parts of our mountains. Keep a close eye on how this weather event develops.
Summary of weather data at 2.000 m:
Forecast: (meteomuntanya.cat and @meteocattv)
Weather will improve on Sunday and Monday with a new front moving in at the end of next week.
Snowpack:
We still have an abundance of snow for this time of year. Snow is found above 1,800 meters on the north-facing slopes and around 2,000 meters on the south-facing slopes. There is a snow depth of 75 cm at the 2,000-meter mark and more than 1.5 meters at higher elevations. Snow covers all slopes except the south-facing slopes, where it has already melted and vegetation is beginning to emerge. There is a wide range of routes to choose from, avoiding the south-facing slopes. The ridges facing north are bare.
We are experiencing a significant easterly wind with the snow/rain level at 2,100m. Today, Friday, 40 mm of rain has been recorded at the station, and 30 cm are observed at the 2,300m level. With today’s forecast and tomorrow’s forecast for Saturday, accumulations of around 50 cm are possible at higher elevations due to the easterly winds. At lower elevations, by midday, the snowpack may be melting throughout its entire thickness, with heavy snow that is difficult to move. Pay close attention to slab/fresh snow avalanches at higher elevations and to melt avalanches at lower elevations. The avalanche risk has increased to 3 out of 5. Consult the Avalanche Prediction Guide (BPA) for details of current risks. Don’t forget your avalanche safety equipment, such as a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Practice using them.
Once the easterly winds subside and the nighttime refreeze occurs, we’ll find hard snow due to the dampening of the snowpack at lower elevations and crusts at higher altitudes. Spring snow poses risks in the morning due to falls on hard snow and ice. Regardless of the activity we choose, whether ski touring, snowshoeing, or mountaineering, we must carry the necessary equipment for progression, such as an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet.
On the Camí Vell, we encountered snow starting from Pla de Sallent. The current accumulation of snow at the top of the trail means that early in the morning, conditions are difficult, with the path covered in icy snow, making even a small slip potentially leading to a fall with serious consequences. This route is NOT RECOMMENDED for people without proper equipment or winter experience.
Fontalba is almost accessible by car, right up to the top of the mountain pass. The path to Núria is suitable for mountaineering; safety equipment such as an ice axe, crampons, and helmet is essential. It is NOT RECOMMENDED for people without avalanche awareness and the appropriate equipment. This route 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.
