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Snow season 2018 takes off

Ben Domensino, Friday June 15, 2018 - 11:04 AEST

Australia's ski resorts are enjoying one of the best early-season snowfalls in years as a series of cold fronts sweep over the alps.

This week's precession of fronts has already brought 20-40cm of snow to some of Australia's ski resorts during the last four days, covering their grassy slopes in fresh powder.

Mount Hotham on Friday morning. Image: Hotham Alpine Resort

Now, more snow is set to fall during the next three days as a low pressure system passing to the east of Tasmania drags a pool of cold air across southeastern Australia. This air mass will cause frequent snow showers in the alps between Friday and Sunday, adding another 20-40cm on top of what has already fallen. It will also be cold enough for snow to fall down to 600 metres above sea level in some areas on the weekend.

Falls Creek on Friday morning. Image: Falls Austarlia

In addition to the impending snow, the intense low pressure system will also cause gale force winds in the alps during the next 48 hours, leading to blizzard conditions on Friday and Saturday.

Thredbo on Friday morning. Image: Thredbo Resort

The addition of persistent gales to fresh falling snow is likely to cause an uneven distribution of snow across the resorts. Some places will see huge stashes of snow piling up, while other areas will be scoured by the wind, reducing the amount of accumulating snow.

Perisher on Friday morning. Image: Perisher Resort

Regardless of its distribution around the resorts, this week's bout of snow is impressive for the middle of June. Snowfalls of this magnitude are more common during July and August.

Wind will ease gradually from Sunday and after a few lighter snow showers on Monday, drier weather will return to the alps from Tuesday. Next week will offer ideal conditions for artificial snowmaking as clear skies and lighter winds cause freezing overnight temperatures and cool, dry days.

- Weatherzone

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