WEATHER / At Col Agnel, in Queyras, not a snowflake this November 5. A situation that we have not seen since 2006. The anticyclone is expected to persist, the situation is unlikely to change in the next ten days
– Southern Alps –
We would almost start to miss the snow! While we had become accustomed to recurring grayness and coolness, now, it is the sun which is essential for this month of November. A very special autumn and powder snow that doesn't show up. We even have to go back to 2006 in certain areas, such as Queyras, to find zero snow cover.
Very poor snowfall for November
We know that the weather makes ski resorts rain or shine. But there, the good weather is worrying. Because with this largely dominant sun and this sometimes record mildness in our territories, the snowfall for the beginning of November is very poor. « Sans surprises » for Paul Marquis, independent forecaster in the Southern Alps, “ the forecasts indicated a rather dry and mild November, this is verified today with a poor snowfall record in the Southern Alps.”
Indeed, no snowflakes below 3,000 meters of altitude, “which is quite abnormal for the period”. Only a few north faces, around 2,600-2,700 meters above sea level, show a thin layer of powder. But for example, however, in Queyras, at Col Agnel, not a trace of snowflakes. Nothing this November 5. We have to go back to 2006 to find such a scenario, “ which is still quite abnormal for the period,” notes Paul Marquis.
And the situation is likely to persist. since the forecasts for the next 10 to 15 days do not show any disturbance, which means that the almost zero snowfall will continue at least until mid-November.
Does a month of November with a lack of snow mean a winter season that falls by the wayside?
“Not necessarily”insists the forecaster, “ there is no link between the snow cover in November and that of winter. We cannot predict what the season will be like”. On the other hand, the snow will have to arrive. massively » end of November-beginning of December to make this famous underlay, important in ski resorts. “ If the snow arrives too late, the underlay will not necessarily be very good, you have to keep your fingers crossed.”
We must now hope that the snow is in full swing, and falls at lightning speed to avoid a storm in the air in the ski resorts, while some are planning soft openings at the end of November. And as they say, “patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
C. Cava Michard
