NORTH EAST VIC
CONDITIONS SUMMARY
UPDATED: 6th AUGUST 2019

REPORT CONFIDENCE: STRONG
CURRENT UNTIL: 8th 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.

CONDITIONS SUMMARY

The last week we’ve seen a prevailing freeze thaw cycle kick off. Solar (North to west) aspects softening and yielding spring conditions, whilst firm elsewhere. Some of the areas have lost cover, particularly below 1600m. SM

OBSERVED HAZARDS & ACTIVITY

Very hard, slick aspects East to South West - No avalanche activity. Blizzards conditions forecast. Travel in the backcountry not recommended.

Current Snowpack Conditions

No significant buried instabilities. Some density changes at and the interface between the early and late July storm events are detectable. Consistent temperature gradient throughout with the exception the surface which as you’d expect varies dramatically across aspects and time of day.

ALPINE WEATHER

Currently windy, tipped to get windier. In short Blizzard conditions from Wednesday morning continuing until Monday.



CONDITIONS Outlook

IMPROVING / ONGOING / DETERIORATING

Between now and our next update a period of increasing avalanche danger will be occurring. Due to weather and likely poor cohesion to a firm bed surface travel in the backcountry is not recommended. Check in Friday morning for more information. . SM

Mount Hotham RESORT
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

6th August 2019: Very firm conditions in the back-country again this morning. Solar aspects may soften if the sun stay out. Be cautious of all steep and slick slopes. Take Care. BB

FALLS CREEK RESORT
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

6th August 2019: Clear skies this morning! Light winds and a firm snow pack. The solid freeze from yesterday is still lingering, but with temperatures already above zero we may see some softening as the day to progresses. A low front is coming our way and the forecast is for significant snow falls through the rest of the week. Enjoy the sunshine today! MO

FEATHERTOP
ALPINE NATIONAL PARK
BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:

28th July 2019: 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:

27th July 2019: 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.