Bergwetter

The PowderGram is our interpretation of a classic meteogram, with a focus on variables that are particularly relevant for freeriders and ski tourers. In the following, we will introduce you to the concept and all elements of the PowderGram. We are optimistic that this will convince even the last doubters of the PowderGram.

The sun means well with us - perhaps a little too well. A small high-altitude low caused a few blemishes on Tuesday and Wednesday, then high pressure took over and the meteorological start of spring began with an omega situation. For us, this means big temperature differences between day and night, firn windows in the morning - and a watchful eye on the avalanche situation in the afternoon.

We repeat the latest message from the oracle - the wet westerly weather is over for the time being. We are heading towards spring, both in a statistical and meteorological sense and in terms of the character of the weather. The next few days will be very warm and very sunny.

Today we are releasing our new PowderGuide-Map (PG-Map), which is now available at map.powderguide.com. In this article we present the basic principles and will provide more detailed information on all functions in further articles. The PG-Map will provide space for our weather forecasts (PG-ICON-Weather) as well as many other contents: ConditionsReports, editorial, locatable content and soon also tour tracks, SnowReports and other info from partner websites. We are very happy and grateful for the second generation of PG-ICON-Weather, which has reliably provided us with very accurate forecasts. But now we are ready, proud, excited and also relieved to bring the new PowderGuide-Map to the light of day.

The Doors sang about it, the Avengers made a movie about it - and only the sausage has two. The end. However, Ullr and the PowderAlert are not about something existential like the end of our own existence, the end of the world or the last relationship, but only about the end of our west or northwest situation, which is now rolling inexorably on. People in Valais and France are probably quite happy about this and even the oracle whistled through his teeth this morning when he saw that the avalanche danger had been upgraded to level 5. The little cousin of February 1999 is showing his teeth. (And who else but the Oracle finds a downgrade at level 5 a bit odd? "That's like getting an F+ at school," was the best comment in the chat today). Before the westerly thaw is over this weekend after almost two weeks, some more alarm-worthy snow is coming.

The next north-westerly dust situation will snow on the northern slopes of the Alps and then spill over to the southern side of the Alps on Thursday. We notice that the polar vortex is favoring us and hope that it stays that way. Winter can begin and our new weather system is in the starting blocks.

For freeriders, these are not necessarily memories of the 1.57 m tall "Sexy" [censored swear word that deals with mothers and sexual activity], or of the "Artist Formerly Known as Prince" and his song, but of the exceptional February 1999 (exciting memory from the SLF). And this time Ullr invites us to another powder party.

PowderAlert has already reported it and we confirm it: All kinds of alerts in the western Alps and things are slowly getting more exciting in the east too. The western weather is producing one front after another and with a bit of luck we'll even manage a nordstau at some point this winter.

Everyone is waiting for The Big One, albeit for different reasons.

This winter can already be classified as difficult due to the below-average snow conditions and especially because of the treacherous avalanche risk situation. But all good things come from above: A circulation upheaval is planned in the stratosphere, which could greatly favor the northern slopes of the Alps in terms of upstream flow. In view of the old snow problem, we remain defensive in our route selection and look into the crystal ball of the weather below.

"Five Rings to rule them all, Five Rings to find them, Five Rings to bring them all, and in the Powder bind them." - There is fresh snow in the Olympic region

After some snow at the weekend, winter is visually recognizable again in the Northern Alps, although the base still leaves a lot to be desired. Some measuring stations are scratching the record minimum for the time of year. At least it's snowing in the south this week and maybe next week too!