Snow level in Iberian System

Climate, snowfall and avalanches in Iberian System

The Iberian System runs from northern Burgos to southern Valencia, peaking at Moncayo (2314 m) and the Demanda range (San Lorenzo 2271 m, Urbion 2228 m). It is the most continental system in the peninsula: long, dry and very cold winters. The snow season runs December to March, peaking in January. Typical snow level is 1100 to 1500 m, kept low by cold temperatures even with low humidity; drops to 600-800 m are frequent in Demanda and Moncayo with northerly flow. Average snow depth exceeds 1 m on summits in February, with historical maxima of 2.5 m at Valdezcaray. Avalanche risk is generally low, but westerly wind forms dangerous slabs on the east face of Moncayo, where fatal accidents have been recorded. The only active ski resort is Valdezcaray, at 1545-2125 m. Others have operated intermittently. The system is the watershed between the Ebro and Duero rivers, so snowmelt feeds strategic reservoirs. The snow level rises southward: in Javalambre-Gudar (Teruel) two stations operate at 1700-2000 m, where snow depends more on the cierzo wind than Atlantic storms.