Date / Region: 06/07/2020 NSWMainRange
Advisory Confidence: MODERATE
Alpine Conditions
Sub-Alpine Conditions
Mountain environments can be categorised as above or below the tree line, thus Alpine and Subalpine respectively. Find out more about how these types of terrain can create or mitigate backcountry hazards here.
Travel & Terrain advice:
If you can make your way through the bushes and rocks up to the Alpine, there are some turns to be had on lee slopes. However the ridges and windward slopes are shallow and icy, and descending back down through the Sub-Alpine obstacles may be treacherous. Despite the sunshine, wind chill will be below zero throughout the day at higher elevations so make sure you have warm gear.
We are always keen to know what you found out there on your tour. Share your field observations in the Main Range NSW.
Observations Summary 5th July
Snow Surface Conditions Summary
Shallow and icy on ridgetops and windward aspects, with deeper drifts of wind-transported snow on leeward slopes in the Alpine. Rocks, bushes and fallen timber exposed below treeline.
Hard-packed snow with isolated patches of ice in the Alpine. A melt-freeze crust in the Sub-Alpine which will soften through the day.
Alpine depth: 60-80cm
Snow condition: Hard-packed, high density.
Sub-Alpine depth: Ranging from 10-60cm
Snow condition: Wet, high density
Shallow with plenty of exposed obstacles. Sastrugi and ice at higher elevations.
Alpine depth: Unassessed
Snow condition: Ice and hard-packed snow
Sub-Alpine depth: 5-10cm
Snow condition: Ice and hard-packed snow
Weather Summary
Tuesday: Winds SW 25-35 kmh and a partly cloudy day. Temps below zero and reaching a max of 1 in the Alpine and 4 in the Sub-Alpine. A broad area of high pressure will dominate through the coming week.