Alcazaba - help for a newbie plse

[AntM24]

Hi
I am heading out to Sierra Nevada early April and wondered if someone could help me please with a few questions. I was planning to try Alcazaba from Trevelez via Siete Lagunas.

* I am assuming the area around laguna hondera will be frozen/deep snow?Are there any good spots to camp slightly lower down or not.......I am resigned to bringing my slightly heavier 4 season tent anyway.

* How straight forward is the 'easy' route from there (Loma de la Alcazaba?) to the summit assumming good weather and snow stability? Haven't been able to find a great deal of info on it and the guide I have only really refers to a summer ascent.

Anyway, any info or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Might see some of you in the mountains

ant

[El Perro Negro]

Hi Ant

The area around Siete Lagunas was covered in snow last weekend. Between 1m and 5m snow depth! The natural caves might have been dug out but you cant chance that.

Below Siete Lagunas you can camp at La Campinuela at 2400m some 500m below the Lagunas. There is a part ruined shelter there and flat ground. The snow level should start above there.

Otherwise take the tent higher up below Chorreas Negras where there will be loads of flat sites in the river valley area.

The route along the Loma to Alcazaba is straightforward and given hard snow conditions is easy. No steep gradients. We sometimes ascend via the valley to the right on ascent direct to the summit and return via either the Loma or a scree gully near the junction with the main Sierra Nevada ridgeline. Avoid the scree gully as it will be steep snow with possible cornices.

Take good note of features on the ascent as in mist Alcazaba can be a dangerous place as it is surrounded by crags. If in doubt then the Loma is probably the safest bet back to the Lagunas.

We are up Mulhacen and the Puntal de la Caldera Sunday until Tuesday so our paths are unlikely to cross. Nevertheless have fun and please post some photos for us on your return?

[AntM24]

This is really helpful. Thanks!

ant