Snow conditions Sierra Nevada

[elperronegro]

Mountaineers and ski tourers this coming few days will have the luxury of some fine weather and sunny days. BUT the avalanche risk is still high particularly in the afternoons and on NE and E facing slopes.

There is a very icy crust and some areas are stable. Ridges are safest. We have noticed some windslab forming on NE and N slopes. There is still a great deal of snow and further avalanches are likely.

[elperronegro]

The sierra are still charged with much snow even after 1 whole week. Large avalanches could still fall due to the heat thawing the snowpack, increasing weight.

Look to the recommendation made by Rafael Quintero (Ref. Poqueira Guardian) in the Base Camp Web site (recommended read):

"We strongly discourage access to the Poqueira hut for the route from the Carihuela del Veleta to La Caldera, both with or without skis. High risk area. These slopes are heavily burdened and discouraged"