Avalanche danger bulletin of Principat d'Andorra

Prepared on 25/04/2024 16:00, valid until 26/04/2024
Next update 26/04/2024 at 16:00

North zone

2100

Problem

Slopes

Size

Overload

Trend

Centre zone

Probleme

Slopes

Size

Overload

Trend

South zone

Problem

Slopes

Size

Overload

Trend

Off-piste snow cover thicknesses

North zone		Snow thickness
Snowpack		1500m	2000m	2500m
N	2000 m	0 cm	40 cm	150 cm
S	2400 m	0 cm	0 cm	40 cm

Center area		Snow thickness
Snowpack		1500m	2000m	2500m
N	2000 m	0 cm	40 cm	100 cm
S	2700 m	0 cm	0 cm	30 cm

South zone		Snow thickness
Snowpack		1500m	2000m	2500m
N	2000 m	0 cm	20 cm	80 cm
S	2700 m	0 cm	0 cm	10 cm

Snowpack stability

Weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack in particular on steep northeast, southeast and southwest facing slopes. Avalanches can be released , even by small loads in isolated cases and reach medium size. As a consequence of solar radiation small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized moist snow slides and avalanches are to be expected. This applies in particular at the base of rock walls.

Snow quality

In particular in the north 30 to 40 cm of snow, and up to 60 cm in some localities, has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 2100 m. Snow depths vary greatly , depending on the infuence of the wind. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise.

Detailed information for protected areas

Sorteny

In the lower parts of the valley there is little snow and it is not possible to ski. The continuous snow will be found above the level of the forest and is where the most recent snow has accumulated. On the southern slopes, although the appearance may be white at altitude, skiing is not recommended, as there is not enough thickness to insulate the floor. The new snow is quite dense and can sometimes make it difficult to descend, when it compacts and two sunny days follow, there will be better conditions.

Comapedrosa

Stability and traffic conditions are similar to Sorteny. We can't rely on the snow to hold our weight on the ice bridges that cross the rivers or the ice on the ponds. It is expected that during the next few days significant thicknesses will accumulate at high altitudes. We will have to wait for the snow cover to compact before going out to ski it.

Madriu-Perafita-Claror

At higher elevations there are significant accumulations, but the snow has retreated quickly to the valley floors and below the forest line. The ski resorts make the approaches easier, but with some interruptions. To go up to Montmalús, for example, it is better to do the lower part on the black \frog\ track. The snow remains cold, especially on the northern slopes and at altitude, but the achievement of days with precipitation makes us advise to wait to make new ski trips.

Thick snow in recent days (last 24 hours measured at 06:00 UTC)

	22/04/2024	23/04/2024	25/04/2024
Aixàs	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Engolasters - FEDA	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Ransol - FEDA	1 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Fontverd	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Setúria	2 cm	4 cm	0 cm
Bony de les Neres	0 cm	6 cm	0 cm
Grau Roig - FEDA	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Caborreu	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Sorteny	14 cm	9 cm	85 cm
Coll Pa	10 cm	0 cm	1 cm
Perafita	4 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Tossa Espiolets	0 cm	4 cm	3 cm
La Solana	10 cm	6 cm	6 cm
Les Fonts d'Arinsal	0 cm	10 cm	0 cm

Breu guia nivometeorològica

This bulletin has been prepared in collaboration with Météo France and prepared following the rules and recommendations of the European Avalanche Warning Services, of which the National Meteorological Service is a member.

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Hazard Index	Snow Cover Stability	Trigger probability	Off-piste skiing directions and recommendations
5 Very strong	The mantle is poorly consolidated and very unstable in general.	Numerous very large and even extremely very large avalanches are expected to fall spontaneously, even on slightly sloping terrain *.	Excursions and presence in the mountains must be abandoned. < / td>
4 Strong	The snow cover is weakly stabilized on most sloping slopes *. < / td>	Avalanche triggering is likely even due to weak overload ** on numerous sloping slopes *. Sometimes spontaneous falls from numerous large and often very large avalanches can be expected.	Excursions limited to areas with a moderate slope and without being exposed to avalanches that are triggered from upper parts.
3 Marcat	The snow cover is between moderately to weakly stabilized on numerous sloping slopes *.	Avalanche triggering is possible even due to weak overload ** especially in the terrain * indicated in the bulletin . In some situations it is possible to fall spontaneously from some large avalanches and in isolation from very large ones.	Sloping slopes at altitudes and orientations indicated in the BPA should be avoided. It requires a lot of experience and a good ability to appreciate the danger of avalanches. It is essential to choose the terrain according to the conditions.
2 Moderate	The snow cover is moderately stabilized on some sloping slopes *; in the rest it is well stabilized.	The triggering of avalanches mainly by strong overload ** on sloping terrain *, usually described in the bulletin. Spontaneous avalanches of very large size are not expected.	Careful planning of excursions is required. Caution is advised in the selection of the route, especially it is necessary to avoid inclined slopes with the indicated orientation and altitude.
1 Weak	The snow cover is generally well stabilized.	In general, triggers are only possible in isolation due to strong overload ** on very sloping terrain *. Only small and medium avalanches are possible spontaneously.	Excursions and downhill skiing are possible almost without restrictions, although BPA recommendations must be followed.

(*) Avalanche-prone terrain is described in more detail in the Avalanche Hazard Bulletin (altitude, slope orientation, terrain type):
- Moderately sloping slope: slopes less than 30º
- Inclined slopes: slopes greater than about 30º
- Very steep slope and extreme slope: especially adverse terrain related to the slope angle (greater than approximately 40º ), terrain profile, ridge proximity, underlying ground with little roughness.

(**) Additional overload:
- Weak: individual skier / surfer, smooth circulation, without falling, respecting safety distances (minimum 10 meters)
- Strong: two or more skiers / surfers without l 'security space (or no intervals); motor vehicles; explosives

Spontaneous: No human influence