THE snow storm currently lashing the Snowy Mountains will continue until Sunday with snow predicted down to low levels of 500m on Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) advised today that snowfalls are expected in low lying areas by the weekend. A further 25-40cm of snow will fall across the resort areas by Sunday. With wind chill, the temperatures will feel like well below zero, so dress accordingly if you will be out in the elements.
In what is good news for skiers and snowboarders, the snow depth reading is now 127cm, a season high, and over 30cm of snow has fallen this past week.
While the snow enthusiasts will be relishing the fresh snow, it will play havoc on the roads and drivers are advised to be cautious.
If you do not need to be in the mountains it is advisable to not be driving on the snowy roads this weekend. Yesterday there was heavy snow on the Snowy Mountains Highway from Yarrangobilly to Delaneys Hut, with slippery sections where motorists were reduced to 40kmh for safe driving.
The Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road will have snow on the roads this weekend. Chains will be needed on 2wd cars and all drivers are reminded to be cautious and control your speed.
If you need to know more information on how to drive in the snow, visit the Transport for NSW "Driving in the Snow".
Follow Live Traffic NSW for any road updates and download the Live Traffic App. Expect Kosciuszko Road to Perisher and Alpine Way at Thredbo entry station to close once Covid-19 capacity restrictions are full.
The BOM main warnings.
• A series of vigorous cold fronts is crossing NSW and the ACT
• Damaging winds, strong enough to potentially bring down trees or powerlines, are a risk
• Very windy conditions are likely to continue through to the weekend
• The coldest weather over the weekend could see daytime temperatures drop more than 4-8 degrees below average
• With the wind chill many locations will feel even colder
• Significant snowfall is expected across the Alps and to low-lying areas down to about 500-600m along the southern and central ranges, and to 1000m along the northern ranges
• Locations which may be affected include Orange, Crookwell, the Blue Mountains, Barrington Tops, Armidale, Guyra and Goulburn. Higher suburbs of Canberra could see a light dusting of snow
• Some locations could experience a series of snow showers over 24-36hrs, starting Friday evening
• Blizzards and avalanches are a risk through the Alpine region. Driving could be hazardous
• Dust is currently over the north east of NSW and should clear out later today. Dust could affect Lord Howe Island as it travels east
Backcountry skiers should reconsider their travel, with Alpine Access Backcountry stating on their Facebook page today.
This storm is looking like the real deal. Blizzard conditions will bring a lot of snow over the next few days with high to extreme winds. The backcountry will be hazardous, particularly above treeline. This includes increased avalanche danger which may not abate until well after the storm. During this time, make conservative decisions, think about angle, aspect and altitude, and evaluate terrain carefully before committing to your line.