Mountain weather report: lots of snow, but bitterly cold
After a very mixed end of December and first half of January in the mountains, the weather forecast has delivered on all its promises this week with a return of very active disturbances and enough cold weather for snow at all elevations. The Pyrenees massif was the best service and needed it after an exceptional thaw period for the season. But overall, all arrays were well served.
Heavy snow with mixed weather in the Pyrenees this weekend
During the week, 80 cm to 1 m of snow fell in the west of the Pyrenees at 1800 m, 35-70 cm in the center, and 15-30 cm in the east. Therefore, you will benefit from good snow conditions with bitterly cold mornings, as temperatures can drop below -10°C above 1800m.
Clouds will dominate the skies on Saturday, with occasional light snow showers, especially east of the ridge. On Sunday, the trend will improve with cloudy periods with variable clears and rare flakes. However, beware of avalanche risk, which will remain high (level 4/5) in many arrays this weekend.
Abundant and high-quality snow fell in the central massif
This week, 20-50 cm fell in the terrain of the Central Massif. The Cantal mountains were best served by the Sancy/Mont Dore massif at around 1400m with 40 to 50cm and then 30 to 40cm. With the cold lingering behind these snowfalls, it is possible to ski on very good snow.
As for the weather this weekend, a moist north-northeasterly flow will bring lots of cloud and lock our mountains to snow in short bursts. The north wind will be strong! So cover yourself well, because if you are exposed to the wind, the feeling will often be icy.
Sunny but very cold morning in the Alps this weekend
A lot of snow has fallen in the Northern Alps in recent days. On average, 40-60 cm of snow fell at an altitude of 1500 m, and more than 70 cm above 2000 m. Vercors and Haute-Maurienne served slightly less. In most massifs (3/5) there is an avalanche danger. Less snow fell in the Southern Alps than in the northern part of the Alps, on average 20-30 cm at an altitude of 1500 m.
Weather conditions promise to be good in the Alps this weekend with sunshine and a few clouds. Only a few snowflakes will be able to fly over the Northern Prealps on Sunday. Temperatures will often be freezing in the morning, averaging between -10 and -15°C, and locally between -20 and -25°C in the most sheltered areas. Afternoon temperatures will remain below zero, but the sun will feel more pleasant outside wind-exposed areas.
Vosges and Jura: better weather on Saturday than on Sunday
How nice to find a good amount of snow in the Vosges and Jura! The snow, which disappeared for about a month, has returned since last Sunday. Between 20 and 35 cm fell this week at 1000 m and between 40 and 50 cm around 1400 m.
After some snow over the Vosges overnight Friday into Saturday, we’ll see drier weather throughout the day with skies split between cloud and sun on Saturday. On Sunday, the sky will be cloudy, in general there will be light snow. The cold will be severe throughout the weekend with severe morning frosts and a feeling of icing during the day, exposed to a northerly wind.
Sunny spells in the Jura should often prevail with the weather remaining dry on Saturday. Beware of severe frosts in the morning, the temperature sometimes drops below -15 °C. On Sunday, the sky will be cloudy and a few snowflakes may fall occasionally. The northeast wind will be icy on open terrains. Cover yourself well with gloves, a hat and warm clothes…
As they will continue to stay in the mountains next week, the calm and cold weather will continue for a few more days. Snow concerns don’t appear until at least the middle of next week. Don’t hesitate to visit our mountain weather section for detailed ski resort forecasts.
