Snow level in Cantabrian Mountains

Climate, snowfall and avalanches in Cantabrian Mountains

The Cantabrian Mountains stretch over 400 km between Galicia and the Pyrenees, forming the northern barrier of the peninsula. They are among the snowiest and wettest ranges in Spain, with annual precipitation maxima above 2000 mm on the northern slope. The snow season runs November to April, peaking in January and February. Typical snow level is 700 to 1200 m with Atlantic storms, occasionally dropping to sea level during polar outbreaks; the last coastal snow episode was February 2018 (Asturias). Average snowpack on summits exceeds 1.5 m in February, with historical maxima close to 4 m at Brana Cabal (Somiedo). Avalanche risk is moderate to high in Picos de Europa, Somiedo, Riano and Saja-Besaya. Three ski resorts operate: Pajares (Asturias-Leon), San Isidro and Fuentes de Invierno, all at 1500-2150 m. Snow feeds the main rivers of both slopes and supplies strategic reservoirs such as Riano. It is the range with most Cantabrian brown bears (over 350) and the last refuge of the Cantabrian capercaillie.