Sierra Nevada Avalanche Information and mountain conditions

Avalanche blackspots in the Sierra Nevada

There are, of course, avalanches all over the Sierras, but there are 3 major blackspots that people venturing into the hills need to be aware of. They are blackspots because they cross normal walking or hiking trails that people use. They are:

(1) The track from the Elorietta to the ski centre just west of the Tajos de la Virgen ridgeline. This paths crosses steep and dangerous avalanche terrain just after leaving the Elorietta hut heading NNW. The proximity to the ski centre increases human traffic in this area. This is where the recent death occurred. For experienced mountaineers the ridge of the Tajos de la Virgen is safer or the whole can be avoided by an easy and safer snow ascent up the Cartujo via the bowl west of the Arista del Cartujo,
(2) The SW slopes of Mulhacen above the normal walking track up the Rio Mulhacen. In particular the old road above this area can be very dangerous. Give this a wide berth westwards on the approach to the west flank route up Mulhacen or the Col de Ciervo.
(3) The south side of Cerro de Los Machos where the old road cuts through a small pass. This area is normally heavily loaded with snow. This path is used as a quick and easy approach from the Cariguela to Mulhacen or the Poqueira/Caldera areas. If heading for the Poqueira hut a safer descent is via Loma Pua, Pico de Sabinar and cut through the Terreras Azules below the Pico del Pulpito.

Of course, normal good mountaineering and avalanche awareness practices must be observed on all routes in the high mountains, but the above blackspots can and should always be avoided or by-passed.

Latest News and Conditions

Avalanche Hazard Scale

Degree of hazard	Snowpack stability	Avalanche probability	For traffic & residential areas	For off-piste & back-country activities
1(low)	The snowpack is generally well bonded and stable.	Triggering is possible only with high additional loads2 on a few very steep extreme slopes4. Only a few small natural6 avalanches (sluffs) possible.	No hazard from avalanches.	Virtually no restrictions on off-piste & back-country skiing & travel.
2(moderate)	The snowpack is moderately well bonded on some1 steep3 slopes, otherwise generally well bonded.	Triggering is possible with high additional loads2, particularly on the steep3 slopes indicated in the bulletin. Large natural6 avalanches not likely.	Virtually no hazard from natural avalanches.	Generally favourable conditions. Routes should still be selected with care, especially on steep3 slopes of the aspect5 and altitude indicated.
3(considerable)	The snowpack is moderately to weakly bonded on many1 steep3 slopes.	Triggering is possible, sometimes even with low additional loads2. The bulletin may indicate many slopes which are particularly affected. In certain conditions, medium and occasionally large sized natural6 avalanches may occur.	Traffic and individual buildings in hazardous areas are at risk in certain cases. Precautions should be taken in these areas.	Off-piste and back-country skiing and travel should only be carried out by experienced persons able to evaluate avalanche hazard. Steep3 slopes of the aspect5 and altitude indicated should be avoided.
4(high)	The snowpack is weakly bonded in most1 places.	Triggering is probable even with low additional loads2 on many steep3 slopes. In some conditions, frequent medium or large sized natural6 avalanches are likely.	Avalanches may be of large magnitude. In hazardous areas, closure of road and other transport is recommended in some circumstances.	Off-piste and back-country skiing and travel should be restricted to low-angled slopes; areas at the bottom of slopes may also be hazardous.
5(very high)	The snowpack is generally weakly bonded and largely unstable.	Numerous large natural6 avalanches are likely, even on moderately steep terrain.	Extensive safety measures (closures and evacuation) are necessary.	No off-piste or back country skiing or travel should be undertaken.

Notes
1 Generally described in more detail in the avalanche bulletin (e.g.altitude, slope aspect, type of terrain, etc.).
2 Additional load: high - e.g. group of skiers, pistemachine, avalanche blasting.low - e.g. skier, walker.
3 Steep slopes: slopes with an incline of more than30 degrees.
4 Steep extreme slopes: those which are particularlyunfavourable in terms of the incline, terrain profile, proximity to ridge,smoothness of underlying ground surface.
5 Aspect: compass bearing directly down the slope.
6 Natural: Without human assistance.