Snow report Giant Mountains, 02/06/2016

Snow condition

After almost the entire base had been wiped out by a warm spell in the last week of January, we were finally able to enjoy the long-awaited powder in the Giant Mountains on the morning of February 5. The existing base varied greatly depending on the altitude and exposure between 10 - 50cm, to which another 30cm and 40cm in accumulations were added. From about 1,000m upwards, freeriding is consistently passable to good. Locations protected by trees are to be preferred, as the exposed and bare regions are more exposed to the wind.

Snow quality

30-40 cm of dry powder. Very good in the trees, less so in open terrain as it is compressed by strong winds. Ground contact is unavoidable from around 900m. However, this is mostly the frozen old snow cover.

Poor connection between old snow and fresh snow cover. The mountains were in the clouds throughout, making it impossible to assess the exposed slopes. However, the situation is likely to have eased due to another warm spell on Saturday. The Czech avalanche warning service is currently issuing LWS 1 for the Krkonoše Mountains. (https://www.horskasluzba.cz/cz/pocasi-na-horach/lavinova-predpoved/krkonose)

Overall impression

Far too little snow for the beginning of February and the rather northern location of the mountains. Without massive artificial snowmaking, this year's ski season would have literally fallen through in most ski resorts. Freeriding is only possible to a very limited extent. What happens next remains to be seen. As it stands, however, fresh snow can only be expected above 900m.