 Poster: A snowHead
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So looking at meteo app for Valloire for period 14-19 feb inc when we're due to be there. Forecast looks sketchy/disappointing that week, no sun just rain and snow and saying middle of that week temps in village of +5c with rain.
Valloire ski area ranges from 1430m to 2750m - I've read temperature falls about 1 degree per 125m of altitude. So would it be true that at 2055m or so that rain should be turning to snow?
Trying to plan ahead a bit and bothered about flat light, poor visibilty, rain. I live in Scotland, if I want that weather I can stay here! 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Klammertime, take a look at more detailed forecasts for this week, eg https://www.bergfex.com/valloire/wetter/prognose/ which gives you the weather at the top of the mountain and also at village level, with the snow line clearly stated.
For example the forecast for Wednesday shows 5 degrees in the village with 23 litres of rain, but the snow level is 1500m and at the top the forecast is 23cm of snow.
But as ever, forecasts for any more than 2-3 days ahead are general indications rather than a promise of snow.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Nothing wrong with your deliberation there@Klammertime, I have used 150m per 1°c drop in temperature. Be aware that there are several drivers that alter the actual rate of lapse.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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There are 3 main descriptors of lapse rate:
The Environmental Lapse rate - the lapse rate at a point in time and place.
The Dry adibatic lapse rate which is close to 1 degree C per 100 metres
The Saturated Adiabatic lapse rate which varies from .35 deg C to .9 deg C per 100m.
It varies depending on the pressure and temperature of a parcel of air.
In practical terms it’s easier to look at the zero degree isotherm level - it will snow 200-300m below that.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I think lapse rate also varies with latitude eg. It’s greater in the north of Scotland than say Dartmoor. That might be to do with the atmosphere being slightly thinner at higher latitudes ?
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There are two things in life: things we can control and things we cannot.
Weather falls into the latter category and so not worth worrying about. Just be thankful that you already have the right gear.
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Im going to be away the same week in Chatel - its looking like a go with the flow week - models are all over the place from baltic and heavy snow, a brief dry period and then a downpour - but even that seems very divided across the different models. As it stands I think I'm team AIFS which on my basic knowledge appears to keep the colder temperatures around for longer.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Update, for my first time back on skis in 8 years (56 now) it was very difficult today. Skied like a dog. Terrible flat light and really poor viz on a hill I don't know, got really motion sick and bailed early for feeling ill and fear of having a serious mishap. Better forecast tomorrow tho. Try again 
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@Klammertime, a clear day without flat light will massively help you.
First day in La Ros also few weeks ago was awful light, and my whole group found it hard going. Next day was so much better, so best of luck for tomorrow.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Crazy time in Alps last week, had potential 5.5 days to ski but only got 2 good clear days with sun, they were ace and skied well enough. One day was totally closed and other 2.5 days were snowing hard with bad viz which despite having good new dual lense goggles I just couldn't see any of my turn spots so couldn't ski it. Used to be able to ski in bad weather but eyes not as good as they were.
Enjoyed the company and enjoyed good Savoie food and drink so still a good trip but frustrating from a skiing pov.
Some in our group had teens with so that's why we were there in high season (I usually go jan) but the french school holiday crowds were quite bad at times, worst Ive ever experienced (even cairngorm in 80s weekends), made worse by numerous lifts/runs being closed for avalanche risk.
As something of a reality check we were out for a walk on Tuesday morning as nothing was opening, heading south along road from Valloire to Les Vernys, suddenly blue light vehicles and chopper activity and sadly a little further south an avalanche at La Rivine claimed the life of a visitor just out walking too, 6 caught in slide, 3 dug out ok, 2 others badly injured.
Also despite off piste being clearly forbidden later on a good weather day you could see off piste tracks all over, watched a snowboard instructor take a pupil off piste (between pistes). Selfish behaviour I thought, setting a poor example.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I heard about the avalanche. Mountain rescue on the scene within minutes. Close to the path parallel to the river.
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