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+--- Thread: When does the first snow arrive and how long does it last? (/Thread-When-does-the-first-snow-arrive-and-how-long-does-it-last)
When does the first snow arrive and how long does it last? - El Perro Negro - 10-20-2009 11:27 AM
In normal seasons the first major snows arrive in November, but there are exceptions. In 2008 the first snows fell on 8th October and the mountains were white until end May with up to 5m snow depth in places!
Expect some heavy snow in November. The ski centre opens reliably between 23rd and 30th November and closes end of April in normal years.
Snows last until end May for ski touring, snowshoeing and mountaineering. In April and May though the hard ice of early mornings can be replaced by soft slushy snow lower down.
RE: When does the first snow arrive and how long does it last? - PeterD - 04-25-2011 11:33 AM
How much snow is there currently above 2600m? (May 2011)
And will snow shoes still be needed in May 2011?
Also, how often does the bus run from Granada to the Sierra Nevada Ski Station in May 2011?
And does this bus or another bus go all the way to the top of the ski resort?
RE: When does the first snow arrive and how long does it last? - elperronegro - 04-25-2011 05:12 PM
Snow........What route are you contemplating? I ask this as there is quite a lot of variety and difference between the northern and southern slopes, valleys, ridges etc?
Snowshoes should not be required unless you are ploughing uphill/downhill in northern bowls early May.
There is a bus to the ski centre but it stops there. Not sure how many each day in May. The National Park bus from the Albergues de Granada (Hoya de la Mora 2500m) to the Posiciones de Veleta (3100m) doesnt start running normally until July when the road is cleared of snow.
RE: When does the first snow arrive and how long does it last? - PeterD - 04-26-2011 01:14 PM
Thanks for the information.
I was intending to trek from the Ski Station to Veleta and then across to Mulhacen and then down to Trevelez. I would be camping or using huts over 3-4 days. Looking at the weather report on this website, there seems to have been lots of recent snow on Mulhacen, upto 37cm on Sunday!
I was wondering if I should take my show shoes and a snow shovel or not?
I have been up Mulacen before in April when there was hardly any snow and I was just wondering about the snow conditions this year. I was intending to start on the 2nd May.
RE: When does the first snow arrive and how long does it last? - elperronegro - 04-26-2011 09:40 PM
The problem you will find is the traverse from the Collado de Cariguela to the Caldera. At the moment it is still high angled snow and below Paso de los Machos there is still a danger of accidents. The rest of the route to the Caldera will need crampons, especially am.
West flank of Mulhacen. Lots of snow still. Crampons am.
East ridge to Siete Lagunas. Some snow but late in the day easy. No snowshoes or crampons necessary.
Siete Lagunas to Trevelez. Very little snow except Choreas Negras.
Snowshoes? A luxury if you can afford to carry the weight. Maybe good to have in the afternoons when descending but not strictly necessary.
Hope this helps. Let us know how you go on.
Good luck
Richard