Weather News

Snow levels to bounce back in NSW and VIC

Tristan Meyers, Monday July 25, 2016 - 15:38 AEST

After significant snow-melt, the Alps of NSW and VIC are experiencing daily snowfall.

Unseasonable heat last week resulted in significant erosion of the snow-base at the NSW and VIC. As of July 14th, there was a depth of over 120cm recorded at Spencer's Creek, but within the space of five days that number fell to 95cm. On top of this, with heavy rain last Friday, snow would have completely vanished for some locations.

However, the rain tended to snow by the weekend with the first in a series of blustery cold fronts. Today, another powerful front should bring totals in the order of 15-25cm falling across the day, being heaviest in the evening.

A brisk westerly flow in the wake of this front will provide about 5-10cm tomorrow, before another strong cold front crashes through the southeast, bringing a further 5-15cm on Wednesday by morning, with snowfalls easing throughout the day.

Snow won't be confined to the peaks; the base should lower to 900m at times over the coming days. Broadly speaking, the snow level looks to linger between 1000-1300, corresponding to about the elevation of the resorts.

Although snow bunnies will be rejoicing, it's not the most ideal time to visit to the slopes; the frequent blustery snow-bearing systems will bring consistently poor visibility. A severe weather warning for damaging winds is current for both NSW and VIC, covering the Snowy Mountains and ACT above 1500m, as well as the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, North East, South West, Central, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland regions. The worst of these winds will occur tonight along with snow, making for blizzard-like conditions. Similar conditions and warnings could be expected on Tuesday night with the second cold front.

Thankfully, a high pressure ridge will build over the Alpine region on Wednesday, bringing a return to calm and settled conditions - the perfect conditions for enjoying the fresh snow.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2016

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