First major snowfall in the Pyrenees: the ski sector is rubbing its hands in anticipation
Snow has fallen this Friday at all elevations and also affects the south face, with some road disruptions.
The Pyrenees awoke to a blanket of white this Friday morning. The snowfall, which began overnight at all elevations, primarily affected the northern slopes, but the event spread to the southern slopes as well. Areas such as the Boí Valley, the Fosca Valley, Cerdanya, Alt Urgell, and Alt Ripollès saw snow reach even the valley floors. Snowflakes and some powdery flurries were also observed in lower-lying towns like La Seu d'Urgell and Ripollès.
The heaviest snowfall has been on the northern slopes, affecting the Vall d'Aran, northern Alta Ribagorça and Pallars Sobirà, as well as Andorra. In these areas, snow has caused disruptions on several roads, where the use of snow chains has been mandatory. The passage of articulated vehicles has also been restricted on the N-230 between Vilaller and Vielha e Mijaran and on the N-260 in Soriguera, and the BV-4024 has been closed to access the Pal pass in Berguedà. Additionally, early this morning the GIV-4016 had to be closed for a time from Planès (Cerdanya) to the GIV-400 after a coach became stuck in the ice. Finally, the GIV-4016 was closed for a while between Toses and Alp because several vehicles became stuck in the snow. Some of the incidents have been resolved throughout the day as the storm eased, especially on the southern side of the Pyrenees.
Snow depths of between 3 and 5 centimeters have accumulated in most of the Pyrenean valleys affected by the snowfall. However, at higher elevations in the Alt Pirineu, Vall d'Aran, Anorra, and other exposed areas on the north face, such as northern Pallars Sobirà, these figures have been significantly exceeded. Many areas have accumulated 8 to 15 centimeters at mid and high elevations, but in some cases, accumulations have locally exceeded 20 or 30 centimeters above 2,400 meters, such as the 38 centimeters at Certascan in Pallars Sobirà. This first major snowfall of the season is undoubtedly great news for the ski sector. The slopes are now gaining depth, allowing the season to open as planned for the Immaculate Conception long weekend in two weeks. Most ski resorts have this date marked on their calendars to open, although some, like Baqueira Beret, will open earlier, on the last weekend of November. Furthermore, the low temperatures allow for artificial snowmaking. And next week will remain cold with the possibility of more snowfall in the mountains.
This snowfall comes on the day we were hit by the brunt of the very cold Arctic air mass. A very cold day everywhere and freezing in the Pyrenees, with sub-zero temperatures. Temperatures as low as -15°C were recorded at the 2,500 m elevation, and in the morning there were many readings between -3 and -6°C in the Pyrenean valleys. Notable examples include the -5°C in Puigcerdà, the capital of Cerdanya, and the minimum of -15°C in Boí (2,500 m elevation in Alta Ribagorça). The Pyrenees haven't been this cold since February 2023. This cold weather makes the snow powdery and very dry.
Snow throughout the day
Snow has continued to fall in the Pyrenees throughout the day and will continue well into the early hours of Saturday. It has been gradually weakening and becoming increasingly concentrated on the northern slopes, where accumulations of between 20 and 40 centimeters are possible at higher elevations. Scattered snowfalls are still possible on the southern slopes, particularly on the peaks and in the rest of the western Pyrenees. On Friday morning, some light snow showers or flurries were also observed in nearby areas and below 400 meters, such as the northernmost part of the Alt Empordà and in the Garrotxa region.
Beware of the strong northerly winds, as they have been strengthening and strong to very strong gusts are expected in the high Pyrenees, where they could locally exceed 100 km/h until Saturday morning. This wind, combined with the snow, is causing blizzard conditions. Therefore, very adverse and freezing weather is expected in the high mountains.
The wind will also be noticeable across much of the country and will accentuate the feeling of cold. The wind will be strong in the Empordà region, in the south, and in high-altitude areas. We are experiencing harsh winter weather, and minimum temperatures will reach their lowest point in the early hours of Saturday, with widespread frost inland and positive values only near the coast and in areas affected by the wind. Temperatures will gradually rise over the weekend, and it will snow again in the Pyrenees on Sunday, but at higher elevations. Next week will be cold, and more snow is expected.
