Andorra Lowers Avalanche Risk to Moderate Level 2
Avalanche danger reduced across most of Andorra due to improved snowpack stability, though hazards linger on steep north-facing high slopes and.
Key Points
- Risk downgraded to level 2 (moderate) in most areas, focused on glacial cirques and steep north slopes.
- Improved snowpack stability from recent evolution; fewer unstable layers.
- Persistent dangers: wind slabs, wet slides from warming, weak layers on shaded slopes >2,300m.
- Officials recommend route planning, safety gear, group spacing, and bulletin checks.
Andorra's meteorological service has reduced the avalanche risk to level 2 (moderate) across most of the country, with the main hazards now limited to glacial cirque walls and steep north-facing slopes in high mountain areas.
The service's Monday update notes that recent snow evolution has improved snowpack stability, reducing the frequency of poorly stable layers territory-wide. Danger persists from recent snowfall and occasional large wind slabs, which could release under heavy loads on very steep shaded slopes above about 2,300 metres. Daytime warming may also trigger small wet snow slides. Persistent weak layers remain in north-facing spots where snow stays colder and less transformed, particularly on pronounced slopes.
Hazardous areas are blanketed in fresh snow and tough to spot, the service warned. Small to medium avalanches could still occur in complex high-elevation terrain.
Officials urged caution for off-piste and high-mountain activities, recommending good route planning, proper safety gear, and regular checks of avalanche bulletins. They advised keeping distance between group members and sticking to moderately sloped ground.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: