SNOW ALERT NZ – Solid Snowfalls Possible

May 21st, 2013

Mountainwatch | Snow Alert

Snow Likelihood rating: Borderline, but trending towards decent

There is something brewing in the depths of the Southern Ocean that is looking like it could deliver something spectacular for the Southern Lakes. At this stage the freezing levels will determine the success of this storm.

We grilled the Grasshopper to get his take on this weekends potential, “It’s certainly going to be an interesting weekend for the South Island, particularly about the Southern Lakes. My main concern is that the freezing levels during the event will hover between 1600 and 1900 metres. When it’s up around 1900m the lower slopes will quite definitely be seeing rain, and not snow. But on the other hand, at higher elevations the whole event might be snow” he said.

This kind of situation is not unexpected at this early stage in the season, it’s probably best to look at it as you would a penalty in your team’s favour behind the 22, it will get us ahead but it’s unlikely to win the game.

“Some spots above 1700m could quite easily see half a metre of snow from Saturday to Monday, which will lead to some tasty piles of even deeper wind-drifted powder. I’m guessing the heli-skiing guys will be watching this closely as they probably stand to benefit most from an increase of snow at higher elevations.”

Well, we wait with baited breath…