Snow Forecast Summary - 15th December 2011
Snow Forecast Summary - 15th December 2011
Published : 15-Dec-2011 10:37
NOTE :- If you are travelling to The Alps this weekend, please read all this week's update!For a change, there's not been much new snow (very litte in fact) in North America although snow depths remain impressive in the West. East Coast resorts have been adversely affected by milder conditions but many remain open.
In Europe, a succession of snowfalls have brought almost two metres of fresh to many Alpine ski areas; French and Swiss resorts have benefitted most, although many Austrian and Italian resorts have had significant falls at times. Many of the resorts that opened last weekend have been partially or fully closed this week in order to make the slopes safe - although powder skiing on empty slopes has been reported from those that did remain open.
Ski resorts to the far South and in the Pyrenees still badly need snow.
Northern Alps This Weekend
Snow, heavy in places, is falling in The Alps right now and this will continue through until Sunday right across the region. Snow is expected to fall as low as 1,000 metres in places today.
Temperatures will rise briefly tomorrow (Friday) taking the snow line back up to around 1,500 metres during the day, although this will drop quickly and probably well below 1,000 metres over Friday night. Precipitation will be increasingly heavy - with substantial snow falling above the snow line. Local accumulations may exceed One Metre of fresh snow over the next three days.
IMPORTANT :- Heavy snow will fall throughout Friday night and most of Saturday. This will affect all the major roads into the mountains. Local authorities are warning of likely road closures at times, particularly the approaches to resorts which may be affected by avalanche control activity.
If you are planning to travel this weekend, you should ensure you stay updated with the local conditions on your route and toward your destination. It would be wise to make contingency plans for possible lengthy delays.
If you were planning to drive all the way in on Saturday, it's definitely worth considering stopping overnight before the mountains and continuing your journey on Sunday.
SNOW CHAINS :- will be needed; even if you have winter tyres, the local police are likely to be checking that you have chains with you on the approaches to many resorts.
Please keep an eye on our Forum over the next 48 hours as we post updates on current conditions, and as the forecast evolves.
European Weather and Snow This Coming Week
Following the major snows at the weekend, we expect the weather to clear a little - late on Sunday or perhaps Monday - but more snows to follow as the week progresses. Temperatures are going to be cold (very cold at times) for at least the next week.
Current forecasts indicate that the snow should extend South through the week - fingers crossed.
Almost all Alpine resorts will be open this weekend, and snow conditions should be excellent throughout the holiday period. There are now some great deals to be had for Xmas week and New Year, on accommodation and the wide range of packages featured on J2Ski. Get in!
Avalanche Risk
The heavy snow expected over the weekend, combined with high winds in many parts, will mean extreme risk of avalanche.
Please take extra care and seek local advice before leaving pisted runs; do not enter closed areas or runs as many may be closed due to high risk. Enjoy the powder on the open pistes - there should be plenty!
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