PowderAlert 8 2023/24 | Light at the end of the tunnel

The constant sun has meant that we have slipped from above-average values in the mountains to below average. And that in the north and west, where we at least had snow. Things look gloomier in the south. In the north there is virtually nothing below 1500 metres and in the south below 1800-2000 metres.

The problem is that it's going to snow there now. And a lot of it. That's fantastic, of course, but it's not 3 metres, so you still have to be in early season mode there.

Alert period and areas

The southern Alps and south-west France. The alert lasts until midday on Sunday. The core areas are the Maritime Alps, the area from Monte Rosa to Adamello and the border triangle IT/Slo/Aut.

Wind

Surprisingly little despite the large pressure areas. Even in the high mountains you should find powder here and there. Föhn in the north. But that's why there's less on the main ridge and you're better off in the south, which is problematic because the areas on the main ridge have a base from the super early winter in the northern Alps.

Snow line

Depending on how far into the Alps you are and the intensity of the precipitation, the snow line is between 1200m and 1800m, in the east of the Southern Alps and in the foothills of the Alps it is more likely to be 1400-1900m. Possibly a little lower towards the end. Full amounts from 1600-2000m

The quantities

In general, 40-70cm of snow is coming. In the cores it's 70-100cm and in individual potholes above 2000m I wouldn't rule out 120cm.

Where should I go?

That is the Gretchen question. The Oracle himself has been desperately searching for areas where you can still get a base in the trees on Saturday-Sunday and has come to the following conclusion: It has to be high enough, but this is quite possible in the south and you should be near the main ridge so that there is still base from the northern early winter. On the other hand, you have to know how far the congestion will advance. The north-west of Ticino or the Gotthard region would be an idea, or the south side of the main Tauern ridge in Austria. The Hautes Alpes are also a good idea, as they are close to the north of France and therefore offer the best of both worlds. Monte Rosa or the Dolomites are less recommendable if you go by the measurement data.

On Sunday, especially in the west, you should bear in mind that it can tear up from midday and look for a combined area.

On Monday it will clear up completely and the weather will be sunny and stable, which you can safely enjoy until Wednesday or Thursday.

Medium term

It looks rather dry. Probably at least not absurdly warm until next weekend (18 February), so the base will just slowly rot away. Nothing exciting is likely to happen before 20 February.

Powder to the People!

Your Oracle, who thanks Ullr for the holiday timing of the dump.

Snow gambling game

Prediction game #8: Core zone station "Bedretto Cassinello (2101m)"

The snow depth prediction game no. 8 takes place at the station "Bedretto Cassinello (2101m)" from Thursday, 8th Feb 18:30 to 11th Feb 12:00. The initial snow depth at the station "Bedretto Cassinello (2101m)" is 136cm (8 Feb 18:30).

Write your fresh snow tip by Friday, 9 February at 20:00 as a comment below! Reminder: Tip game rules, tip player reminder by email.

The winner of the prediction game at the end of the season will win a pair of Valhalla Bamboo 104 in the PowderGuide design - just the thing for a south-facing dump like this!

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