AUSSIE WEEKLY SNOW JOURNAL – High Pressure Holding Pattern

Aussie Weekly Snow Journal | Alex Horvath

After the snowfalls last week it’s easy to start to feel spoilt when we see weather like the week that just past. In a perfect follow up to last weeks snowstorm Mother Nature really turned it on with great conditions across the weekend. What more can you want after a two foot early season storm then a great run of blue sky days, warm conditions, groomed trails and new lifts open?

Snowguns cranking in Thredbo Image:: Steve Tognazzini

As you might have heard, a snow depth reading was taken last week and Snowy Hydro recorded a depth of 71.7 cm at Spencers Creek. This ladies and gentlemen is big news, it is officially the highest snow depth reading at this stage in June since the year 2000. Fingers crossed July will see regular snowfalls and we will be able to break the 2m threshold by early August!

The week has delivered fairly benign conditions with unfortunately not a whole lot of exciting news to report on weather wise. All resorts have been cranking their snowmaking systems really taking advantage of the conditions when they are right. The lack of moisture in the air over the last few days has been one positive factor at play, this enables snowmakers to crank the guns at higher temperatures then freezing sometimes up to possibly 3 or 4°C.

If you are heading for the mountains over the next few days make sure you work on that goggle tan to keep everyone stuck in the office nice and jealous come Monday morning!

It won’t be long until Golf Course Bowl is ready to go! Image:: Alex Horvath

Weather for the remainder of the week

As of today we are stuck in a kind of weather holding pattern, the remainder of the week and the weekend are looking to be a mix of partly cloudy/sunny days with warm maximum temperatures sitting around about 4-5°C with cool minimums sitting around -3 to -4°C depending on where you are. Keep in mind that the fluctuations we are seeing from night into daytime temperatures are perpetuating the melt-freeze cycle that is often seen in early season and spring conditions. This means that the snow will be hard and firm in the mornings softening on sun-affected slopes through the day. When deciding where to head consider slope aspect in relation to the sun and you should be able to pick the best areas to ride.

Victorian mountains may see a hint of snow-flurries on Saturday and Sunday with the possibility of rain ahead of the cold front due around about late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Still a few days out on this one so keep checking our daily forecast chart for more details as we get more within range.

Bluebird… Image:: Courtesy of Mt Hotham

Resort breakdown

NSW

Perisher 34 lifts will be operating today at Perisher including Eyre T-Bar for the first time this season, One more significant snowfall and I think Perisher will be very close to being able to open close to 100% of the resort. Snowmaking has been going strong and Perisher operated 113 snow guns providing a great fresh top up. From what I have heard they have a really cool set up in their park on front valley at the moment and the Yabby Flat mini park is opening today for beginners

Thredbo will be operating 12 lifts today including the highest lifted point in Australia, Karels T-Bar. This means that the Crackenback Supertrail is open top to bottom providing an epic leg burner of a run. Thredbo has been snowmaking at every opportunity providing top ups to a natural base that is in awesome condition. Lower lying areas susceptible to high traffic are getting thin by the end of the day but snowmaking is helping to keep these areas in reasonable shape. High Noon Park is set up very nicely at the moment and the Cruiser park has a great mini-shred set up with easy laps on the t-bar.

Selwyn Snowfields 5 lifts will operate at Selwyn today, warm temperatures and light winds mean it is prime for a family trip to learn, a few lifts at Selwyn remain on standby awaiting more snowfalls. This Saturday Selwyn will Host the Mervin Manufacturing sponsored “Boxes for Days” competition, entry is free and it should provide a good afternoon of jibbing…

Charlotte Pass 6 lifts are operating at Charlotte today, snowmaking has continued freshening the cover. A warm maximum temperature of 7°C means it will get soft in the afternoon!

VIC

Falls Creek 7 lifts are operating at Falls today, the cover is great shape and there is plenty going on across the resort. Average snow-depth in snowmaking areas is 54.7cm. Weather is fine and sunny. Falls has just announced they are offering free skiing for kids from 22 July till 28 August head to www.fallscreek.com.au/KidsSkiFree for more information.

Hotham Is reporting 33cm of natural snowdepth and 48cms in snow making areas. 5/12 lifts are currently operating and more terrain will open as more snow arrives

Mt Buller 6 lifts will operate today at Buller, unfortunately temperatures were a little too warm for snowmaking but hopefully overnight temperatures will cool over the next few nights.

Mt Baw Baw Warm weather has meant that Baw Baw has suspended lift operations. All lifts are on standby and will open as soon as more snow falls.

Lake Mountain Ski trails are closed at Lake Mountain, pending further snowfalls. Snow play and sightseeing is open.

Fingers crossed this time next week I will be writing about another snowstorm, things are looking good right now for 10-15cms by Tuesday night so hopefully that pans out. In the mean time keep sending snow vibes across the Tasman to the Kiwi’s, they desperately need some snow and I am willing to let them have their turn in true ANZAC spirit!

Perisher forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Falls Creek forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Mount Buller forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Charlotte Pass forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Hotham forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Thredbo forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Mount Baw Baw forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.