Snow Conditions 7th November 2011

[elperronegro]

The first major snow over the last weekend has left the Sierras white above 2000m. There have even been reports of some early season ski touring on the west flank of Cerro de Caballo and Veleta.

Although extensive the snow is soft and unconsolidated below 2700m. Above that there is some consolidation and even some large areas of windblown transparent ice at higher elevations.

Here is a video from the southern slopes of Mulhacen yesterday (Sunday 6th November). Shows from Tajos de los Machos in the west through to Veleta and Puntal de la Caldera

[elperronegro]

Update: We had a party up Mulhacen today via the west flank returning down the south ridge to the Poqueira hut. There has been some snow loss lower down due to higher temps. There is little snow below 2500m Poquiera hut. Above, a 30 minute walk into the Rio Mulhacen will bring you to the snow in the river. From then on it is good snow all the way to the summit. The west flank has some icy patches on it in places and crampons are essential.

[Tuppers]

Just back in from an ascent of Mulhacen this morning from the Caldera refuge. The warm, southerly airflow is thawing the snow quite quickly. There is now negligible cover below 2,800m.
The west flank of Mulhacen is covered with hard, compacted snow and ice with only a few soft areas. There are several tracks in the snow which froze overnight and allowed an ascent from the hut in one hour ten minutes but crampons and an ice axe are still essential. I reached the summit at 09.15 and the snow on the east facing side was already melting.
On the south ridge the snow is soft but not very deep and it's obvious that people have been able to ascend without crampons. Further along the south ridge on its east face, there are tracks of skis and/or boards so yes, folk have been out in the early powder.