Snow report Dolomites, 03/18/2015

Snow condition

Last Sunday and Monday, around 20cm of fresh snow fell in the valley at 1400m. At higher altitudes it was significantly more. This fresh snow fell on a moderately thick layer of old snow. Nevertheless, the high temperatures from Tuesday to Thursday have swallowed up most of the snow again. South-facing slopes are already bare up to around 2000m and tours from the valley are no longer sensible in this exposure.

Snow quality

All types of snow could be found. The fresh snow from Monday fell on ridges with lots of wind. That's why there was an icy layer of harsh snow or a hard layer of old snow near the ridges or in places exposed to the wind. At the same time, the snowfall also brought the finest powder and this has been preserved at higher altitudes on the north side until today (Friday). For me personally, the snow on Wednesday's tour was the best powder of the winter. In addition, of course, there is now also some slushy snow (from "firn" to rotten snow).

To be honest, I personally have never experienced so much avalanche activity as during the last few days. Snow slabs triggered by people (danger pattern "fresh snow with lots of wind"), spontaneous snow slabs, loose snow slides from steep terrain and, with increasing moisture penetration, sliding snow slides. The conditions did improve from Monday to Thursday. But caution is still advised.

Overall impression

The great snow conditions, the good weather and the impressive landscape were a fantastic experience.