CENTRAL EAST VIC:
RECENT OBSERVATIONS
Updated: 20TH / JULY /2018
REPORT CONFIDENCE: STRONG
CURRENT UNTIL: 24th / JULY/ 2018
OBSERVATION SUMMARY
TREND: IMPROVING / ONGOING / DETERIORATING
Front Range: Buller / Stirling
With that front moving through, there has been a fantastic top up of snow.
There has been consistently strong winds over the last few days so beware of snow drifts hiding in the fresh snow if the light is a bit flat.
The winds have been largely from the north and there is still wind affected areas in higher and exposed sections. Slopes facing south or south east should have done well in terms of prevailing winds – for instance Stanley Bowl on Mt Stirling, is skiing well with very little crust after a good top up of wind blown snow, as are the slopes north of the Bowl, to the east of the summit.
Generally backcountry areas that are not too exposed to the wind are filling in nicely over the top of the previous base.
Be aware that with fresh snow to lower elevations, chains are being fitted on the approach to Mt Stirling (JULY 20), and remote access roads are likely to have trees down or muddy conditions.
The forecast is for cloudy conditions for the weekend, and the possibility of further snow showers (and a thunderstorm) over the remainder of the weekend. There will be strong winds at times.
BACK Range: Magdala / Howitt / Viking & Cobbler
We are treating the back side of the Central east as the general advisory for the North East at the moment given the geography and forecast weather pattern.
NB: please note that access roads to the Back Ranges (eg to The Bluff via the Howqua River) may have icy patches in higher shaded areas and potentially fallen trees on some tracks.
Always, a big thanks to everyone who is helping make this possible through our membership kickstart and through our merchandise drive.
Primary Hazard
Reports from the field indicate that popular slopes like Stanley Bowl are 'settling in' nicely after this front. Winds from the north have moved snow onto south east and east facing slopes. There may be wind loading on some slopes so, as always use caution.