Snow report Giant Mountains, 02/09/2015

Snow condition

The snow situation is very different in the two neighboring parts of the mountain range despite its small size. The Czech part, on the south side and especially the west-facing ridges and valleys have a good base of about 60cm from about 800m with up to 40cm of fresh snow on top, which has been added during the last 10 days. This statement applies in particular to the areas of Harrachov, Rokytnice and Spindler Mühle. Freeriding is possible from the top of the world at 1400m ;-) down to 850m without ground contact. In the eastern parts of the mountains and especially on the rather rugged northern side of the mountains, the Polish side, the amount of snow is much smaller. In principle, there is only a poor icy base caused by strong winds. Larger amounts of drift snow can only be found in the basins and gullies. Stone contact is almost unavoidable.

Snow quality

A firm base with 20 - 40 cm of fresh snow on top fell until the middle of last week, slightly dry and without the influence of wind. Due to the brief warm spell on Saturday, February 7, the snow in exposed southern locations is likely to have turned into wet snow, or in the course of the subsequent cold snap and storm into a large question mark with snow cover. The snow has been well preserved on shady slopes. However, the gale-force winds in the night from 7 to 8 February are likely to have transported a significant amount of snow. Protected areas in the south and west were possibly favored - definitely to the disadvantage of the already snow-poor north side.

LWS 3. tense. Since last week's snowfall, the Czech mountain rescue service has issued avalanche level 3 for the north-east and, since Sunday, for all slopes. http://www.horskasluzba.cz/cz/pocasi-na-horach/lavinova-predpoved/krkonose

Overall impression

Apart from the situation, which has changed considerably since the weekend, the overall impression is very mixed. A visit to the Czech western parts of the mountains is recommended. For the annual destination with average amounts of snow. (The largest amounts of precipitation are recorded in the Krkonoše Mountains in mid-February and March. But it could well be more. The Polish north side definitely needs significantly MORE!