Hiking Guide with Weather Considerations 🌄
Where is the Snow? ❄️
To find out where the snow is, I use several resources:
- Ventuski 🌐: This website provides a snow cover layer that helps me visualize snow conditions.
- Windy 🌬️: Another great tool with a snow cover layer for real-time updates.
- Copernicus 🌍 or EO Browser 🛰️: These platforms offer up-to-date aerial imagery, allowing me to see if there is snow. However, be cautious! Many satellite images may have clouds ☁️, which can be misleading. Always double-check to avoid confusing snow with cloud cover.
- Webcams 📷: I check various mountain webcams, especially at major ski resorts. These live feeds give a good indication of snow levels, fog, or cloud presence.
Risk of Avalanches ⚠️
🚨 Warning: In any doubt, just don’t go! Avalanches are deadly. 🚨
For avalanche risk assessment, I rely on:
- YETI (Camptocamp) ☃️: A bit tricky to use but very usefull.
- Meteo France 🌧️: Their mountain weather section offers valuable insights into avalanche risks in the Northern Alps.
Quality of Snow 🌨️
When it comes to snowshoeing, timing is everything! Here are my recommendations:
- Fresh Snow ❄️: I highly recommend going out shortly after a fresh snowfall. The experience is much more enjoyable on soft, powdery snow.
- Ice Caution 🧊: Be aware that overnight, fresh snow can turn into ice. Using snowshoes on ice is not as fun and can be quite challenging.
About Thunder ⛈️
I once canceled a hike due to a severe thunderstorm forecasted in the Belledonne range. I was grateful for that decision, as the thunder was followed by large hailstones 🌨️. A few days later, hikers who were caught in the storm shared their terrifying experience of seeking shelter under trees and rocks. Always prioritize safety when thunderstorms are predicted!
About Rain ☔
To avoid rain during my hikes, I use Meteoblue 🌦️. Here’s how:
- Meteoblue Website (or mobile app): You can find forecasts for specific locations, including Grenoble.
- Meteoblue Where2Go 🌍: This tool is incredibly useful! You select a city (e.g., Grenoble), choose the day of your hike, and set a radius (30, 60, 100 km, etc.). The map will show you the best places to go for more sun and hopefully avoid rain.
- Ventusky 🌪️: I also use this tool for a second opinion on weather forecasts.
About Drinking Water 💧
In the summer, finding drinking water in the nearby mountains can be challenging:
- Dry Sources 🚫: Many water sources tend to dry up, especially in the Chartreuse and Vercors ranges.
- Belledonne 🏔️: In contrast, Belledonne is generally more reliable for water, thanks to the ice on top of the peaks that slowly melts, providing a consistent water supply.