Snow and Ice conditions above 2700m Dec 26th 2009

[El Perro Negro]

As a result of the freezing level being above 2500 during the day, the Hoya de la Mora has much transparent ice around. Crampons and ice axe a must here. I remember an accident some years ago when a spanish guy fell of the path just below the Virgen de las Nieves and fell into the bowl, over the lip and into the barranco de San Juan. Unfortunately he lost his life.

In other areas away from wind blown ridges there is deep powder requiring snowshoes. Mixed and variable conditions requiring care. Avalanche conditions exist above 2700m.

There are 3 good days coming so we shall learn more about the state of the hills.

[El Perro Negro]

Photo taken from Las Alegas 28th December. Shows ridge from Veleta to Mulhacen.
[img width=600 height=150]http://www.sierra-nevada-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/veleta-mulhacen-28dec09.jpg[/img]