Snow on Route Napoleon yesterday

[Bradypus]

Just saw a post on Facebook from someone who walked the Route Napoleon yesterday. With a set of photos which start in a snow-free SJPDP, pass by a snow-free Orisson, end at a snow-free Roncesvalles, but show how different conditions can be just a little higher up on the pass itself. The reason why the SJPDP pilgrim office were advising people to walk the Valcarlos route despite the apparently clear weather in the town itself.

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[t2andreo]

In my experience and observation, it is possible to experience snow at elevations about 700 meters ASL through the end of May. The weather coming off the Atlantic is the culprit. The moisture rich clouds hit the cold mountain tops at those altitudes and drop their moisture as snow.

I have experienced this at the Napoleon Pass at the end of April, as well as twice in mid-May at Cruz de Ferro. However, these "hip season" snowfalls usually do not remain long, especially if the hot Spanish sun gets to it.

Hope this helps.

Tom