Finding good snow in variable conditions

Having been out around Bellevarde and Tignes over the past 3 days, we have seen a marked change due to the effect of a southerly wind.  On Monday this wind reached 50km/hr above 2500m.

it is now 7 days since it last snowed and the temperatures remain very cold -10 to -15C so the snow is holding up well and remains in fantastic condition on the pistes, but if you are going off piste you need to look harder to find the best snow.  It probably requires expert guidance to work it out now. 

The recent snowfall fell in a NW wind or no wind.  This south wind is re arranging the snow.  Much of the obvious off piste is quite enjoyable but the condition is variable between, wind blown, wind crusted, slightly sun crusted on the south facing and some delightful patches of powder.

The Meteo France Bulletin tells us the snow pack is stabilising and the risk factor is now level 2 .  Keep an eye out for wind slab created by this southerly wind.  The bulletin tells us to be careful of the NW facing slopes.

We are expecting  glorious sunshine on Thursday and then some sun and cloud and milder weather this weekend.  Some forecasts say there will be snow, but this seems unlikely.

 

Some weather models point to a classic cold front coming in from the NW on Tuesday in time for Christmas.  But not all models say this, so we will have to wait and see

it is now 7 days since it last snowed and the temperatures remain very cold -10 to -15C so the snow is holding up well and remains in fantastic condition on the pistes, but if you are going off piste you need to look harder to find the best snow.  It probably requires expert guidance to work it out now. 

The recent snowfall fell in a NW wind or no wind.  This south wind is re arranging the snow.  Much of the obvious off piste is quite enjoyable but the condition is variable between, wind blown, wind crusted, slightly sun crusted on the south facing and some delightful patches of powder.

The Meteo France Bulletin tells us the snow pack is stabilising and the risk factor is now level 2 .  Keep an eye out for wind slab created by this southerly wind.  The bulletin tells us to be careful of the NW facing slopes.

We are expecting  glorious sunshine on Thursday and then some sun and cloud and milder weather this weekend.  Some forecasts say there will be snow, but this seems unlikely.

 

Some weather models point to a classic cold front coming in from the NW on Tuesday in time for Christmas.  But not all models say this, so we will have to wait and see