NORTH EAST VIC
CONDITIONS SUMMARY
UPDATED: 31st JULY 2019

REPORT CONFIDENCE: STRONG
CURRENT UNTIL: 26th JuLY 2019

IMPORTANT: The following information is provided in good faith. Both the observation and forecasting methods used to provide this summary are not consistent with international standard. They are based in the collective experience of those providing input on the conditions, the hazards and the respective rating if provided. Due to both the spatial and often subjective nature of the observation input available, forecasting is at best an estimate. Understanding, knowledge and practise in self assessment of alpine hazards is crucial to safe backcountry travel in all alpine areas covered here.

Regional observations

Theres buried layers down there, one at 4cm, 15cm and deeper around the mid july dump and the older bed surface. Mostly offering hard results with the exception of the top 4cm layer which is saved by the crusty surface condition. Ice is the big problem with spring conditions in July some have been caught out with a near fatal cliff fall over at Hotham. The solar in July is not nearly as powerful as most experience in later August and spring proper so make sure your chosen aspect has had a heap of sun or else you will find it is still bulletproof. These conditions will likely prevail until mid next week. SM



Regional Outlook

IMPROVING / ONGOING / DETERIORATING

Spring has sprung early and the wattles are confused… Looks like we have a decent precip event due tuesday through to Thursday next week. SM

Mount Hotham RESORT
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

The snowpack has had another really good solid freeze overnight. Solar aspects will soften for good spring like turns as the day warms but avoid south facing and shaded slopes as they will remain very slick for the day. Yesterday saw a very near miss in our nearby back-country when the wrong aspect was chosen at the wrong time, so be sure you know the snow is soft from top to bottom before committing to any steep line out there. Take Care. BB

FALLS CREEK RESORT
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

Firm conditions on aspects NW through to S. Solar aspects warming slowly with hard icy surface. SM

FEATHERTOP
ALPINE NATIONAL PARK
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

Feathertop has fared poorly from the recent weather events, not so much on the peak herself but the Bspur track has some storm carnage and the razorback is crampon country. One ridge east, the machinery spur is the pick of the bunch for access and favourable aspect. ATM. If Stoney Creek Rd is open and tree carnage free, that’s the fast track to the best terrain. Take a mountaineering attitude. SM

MOUNT BOGONG
ALPINE NATIONAL PARK & Northern BHP
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

Obs sound similar to Feathertop with stripped windward aspects. Icy conditions lower down and the occasional pockets of hard wind packed snow up high, softening slowly.