PowderAlert 1 2018/19 | Base in the northern high mountains

Yes, but: the base is still from the end of October and was not drivable because of the heat. Just under two weeks ago, there were two times around 30cm, which remained just under the alarm limit and couldn't convince the Oracle to come out of hibernation (although the Oracle has already ridden on it).

Apart from that, winter only starts for all of us when it snows in the north and the whole thing looks interesting, doesn't it?

Before you can say "All your bases belong to us!", here's a small caveat: It's already started to snow today, but unfortunately there's another downer, because the whole thing will only take place in the high mountains again until Tuesday and will provide a base between 2100 and 2400m. The full amounts will only be available from 2500m, but some snow will also remain from 1600-1800m until Tuesday.

Alert period and areas

By Tuesday noon from northern France to the Arlberg, the whole thing pushes very far into the Valais and the main ridge because of the strong mountain current.

It only snows in the high mountains and the oracle says: "But that's good!" You reply: "No! Is it? Ehh?"

Why? Because it forms a decent base on the rocks high above due to the warmth, instead of powder on rocks, and then offers exciting options for the coming weekend, but more on that later.

The amounts

By midday on Tuesday, there will be a widespread 40-60cm thick base. In western accumulations above 2200-2500m, it could even be 80cm, but I don't see more because of the warmth.

Where should I go?

Well, nobody has to take time off work for this, but if someone really wants to know, they can look at the local glacier ski areas at noon on Tuesday, or see how much there has been, for example, on the central Swiss main ridge or in the Upper Valais on the border with Italy, because there is already a base from the south there.

Mid-term

The real reason for the alarm, because there are signs of another wet and then later cold episode for next weekend. That would be the real start of this (northern) winter. So: dust off the Ullr shrine and make sacrifices so that there might be another alarm on Thursday or Friday and I haven't promised too much.

It's good to be back, albeit with the handbrake on.

Base to the people!

Your oracle