Andorra Maintains Level 4 Avalanche Risk Above 2100m Amid Heavy Snow
Heavy snowfalls and strong winds create unstable slabs, with yellow alert until Monday and forecasts for more precipitation.
Key Points
- Level 4 avalanche risk above 2,100m from unstable wind slabs on N-NE slopes.
- Yellow snow alert 1,500m+ until Mon; up to 30cm overnight, more showers forecast.
- Snowpack 1m in north; roads blocked on CG-2, chains urged for mountain travel.
- Generous winter snow aids pistes; Andorra Weather Meeting discusses climate impacts.
Andorra's Meteorological Service maintains a level 4 avalanche risk above 2,100 metres due to heavy snow accumulations and strong winds forming unstable slabs, even as lighter precipitation continues Sunday.
The yellow snow alert above 1,500 metres, active since 3am Saturday, remains in place until 3am Monday. Overnight snowfall from Saturday to Sunday brought up to 30cm at Perafita, 28cm at Caborreu, and 25cm at Setúria. Off-piste snowpack now measures 1 metre in northern sectors and 100cm at 2,000 metres. Authorities highlight hard-to-detect wind slabs that could release large avalanches, triggerable by a single winter sports user, particularly on north-to-northeast facing slopes in the eastern area and zones with dense buildup.
Forecasts predict further showers above 1,500 metres Sunday under mostly cloudy skies with occasional breaks, as the front shifts toward the Mediterranean. A milder southerly flow may follow without strong winds. Accumulated totals could reach 45cm at 2,500 metres, 25cm at 2,000 metres, and 12cm at 1,500 metres by Tuesday, with snow levels steady around 1,500 metres through Monday. Temperatures are easing after Friday's lows of -3°C in Andorra la Vella and -6°C at 1,500 metres, with Sunday highs around 5°C in the capital and -4°C at Pas de la Casa.
Road conditions have deteriorated, especially on high-altitude routes like the CG-2 in Canillo parish, where snow has caused complications. Some vehicles and coaches struggle without proper equipment, leading to blockages and erratic driving. Civil Protection urges caution for all mountain travel, ports, and activities, recommending chains, careful planning, and regular updates.
This episode marks one of the decade's most generous winters for snow, ensuring quality piste conditions into late season despite circulation challenges. Meanwhile, Pal-Arinsal hosted the 9th Andorra Weather Meeting, drawing a record 25 meteorologists from 10 countries to discuss hurricanes and climate change impacts.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources:
- Altaveu•
Una intensa nevada a les cotes altes converteix aquest hivern en un dels més generosos de la dècada
- Diari d'Andorra•
L’acumulació de neu i el vent mantenen el risc d’allaus en 4
- Diari d'Andorra•
Diumenge ennuvolat al Principat amb precipitacions febles i risc elevat d’allaus
- Diari d'Andorra•
Risc d’allau 4 per sobre dels 2.100 metres
- Diari d'Andorra•
Avís groc per neu a partir dels 1.500 metres i perill fort d’allaus
- El Periòdic•
El Servei Meteorològic Nacional preveu un cap de setmana de pluges i neu a partir dels 1.500 metres
- Diari d'Andorra•
Avís groc activat per nevades intenses a partir dels 1.500 metres fins demà
- El Periòdic•
El Servei Meteorològic activa l’avís groc per neu a partir de 1.500 metres davant un dissabte amb nevades intenses