Climates: Phenomena of the Atacama Region, Chile

Snow in the Atacama Desert: p.1 | p.2

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Snow in the Atacama Desert

In 2005, a rare phenomenon that only occurs every twenty years or so could be observed in the Atacama desert: heavy snowfalls covered the dry desert floor with a white blanket.

In July 2005, a very particular phenomenon occurred in the Atacama Desert: Even near Copiapó, a considerable amount of snow fell. This is a very rare phenomenon due to the scarcity of rainfall in general and why precipitation normally coincides with an increase in atmospheric temperature.

Snow in Llano de Varas, in the Carrera Pinto sector.

More information about Carrera Pinto
see the same "normal" photo (see here)


Snow in Llano de Varas, in the Carrera Pinto sector in July 2005. The phenomenon occurred in 2009 with a little less magnitude, the snow fell over 2000 meters high. In 2011 the phenomenon was repeated in the same way as in 2005, that is to say up to the hills near Copiapó, Cerro Imán for example they stayed in the morning with a snow cap.

Information:

There are few years in which this phenomenon can be observed at altitudes below 2000 meters, or near Copiapó. In the main mountain range, especially at heights above 4200 meters the probability of heavy snowfall is higher.