First big snow of the season on its way
Tristan Meyers,
Sunday June 19, 2016 - 14:55 AEST
A series of cold fronts over the next week look to bring enough moisture and cold air for good snowfall across the Alpine region, with a lighter dusting along the ranges as far north as southern QLD.
The ski season has started, but so far, snowfall has been poor. This has been in part because cold fronts haven't been strong enough, but also because heavy rainfall events over the last two weeks are turning any snow to slush.
However, on Tuesday, a strong cold front will push through VIC and NSW, bringing a healthy 5-10cm to the peaks.
This will then be followed up on Friday and into Saturday by an even stronger cold front, the strongest of the season. The snow level looks to drop to about 900 metres, and potentially as low as 700 metres. The Alpine region is on track for over 30cm of fresh powder, the heaviest snowfalls being over the peaks.
The snow on Friday and Saturday won't be limited to the Alpine regions, however. There is an emerging model consensus that flurries will make it to northern parts of NSW and far southeastern QLD, most likely around the ranges and elevated areas. Additionally, the high ground in the Central and Southern Tablelands could also see some of the white stuff, including the Blue Mountains.
All this is good news for snow-chasers, but the Alpine region will not be a pleasant place during this time - winds look to gust in excess of 110 km/h on Friday and early Saturday. Combining with heavy snowfall, this will make for poor visibility and blizzard-like conditions.
However, by Saturday evening and into Sunday, a high pressure ridge looks to develop. Although there is some disagreement on how long it will persist, this weather system will bring cool and settled conditions to the Alpine region, perfect for snowmaking and an early-season ski trip.
- Weatherzone
© Weatherzone
2016