Snow Watch 2017

This is the official thread for Snow Watch 2017. Feel free to post pictures, information, questions and reports about the snow conditions in the Drakensberg for 2017. The idea is to keep track of the snowfalls, pool information about where the snow is for those that want to go see it, and simply to have a place to express the joy and experiences you may have had if you have witnessed the grandeur of the Dragon clothed in white.

Historical Snow Watch threads:
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

2017 Snowfalls:

1. 12-14 May - Large frontal system drops moderate to heavy snow across the the entire Drakensberg high ground. Snow fell to around 2000m in some places, and areas like Sani Pass and Afriski reported depths of up to half a metre. Details

2. 28 June - Light snowfalls across the higher sections of the escarpment including the following regions: Afriski, Mafadi, Thabana Ntlenyana as well as Tiffindell. Details

3. 1 July - Unexpected light snowfall in the Afriski Region as well as some of the higher ground at Cathedral Peak

4. 17 August - Wide spread snow across the entire range, as well as some light falls into the midlands Details

5. 26 August - Unexpected light snowfall on the Northern Berg. Details

6. 5 October - Light snow falls across the entire escarpment. Details

7. 10 October - Powerful cut off low system brings widespread good snowfalls to the entire range. Snowline extended to 2000m from North to South and light falls were reported at resort level in places. Details

8. 28 October - Late cold front brings cold temperatures as well as light snowfalls above 2200m in the Southern Berg Details

9. 15 November - Highly unseasonable cold snap produces good snowfalls across the entire range, including some light falls into the Midlands.

10. 28 November - Reports of light snowfall at Afriki Resort, with settling snow at Mahlasela Pass.

Yr.no is suggesting a small chance of some light snow/sleet on Thabana Ntlenyana from late tomorrow :

Hi Dave, earlier on in the week there did seem to be a small chance of some light snow on the very highest peaks this weekend, but this chance seems to have faded away with the latest forecasts.

It is however likely to turn quite cold on the escarpment from Saturday with temperatures dropping below freezing at night.

For a number of days now the long term forecasts have been chopping and changing between showing snow and no snow for the Drakensberg this coming weekend. As the event is now only 3 days away, which normally means the forecast begin to become more reliable, it it interesting to note the drastic increase in the amount of forecast snow. The current windguru forecasts are suggesting snow totals in excess of 90cm for the Southern Berg escarpment, and up to 30cm in the North. Freezing levels in the south are currently forecast to drop as low as 2400m, which could indicate a chance of snow down to around 2000m. Whilst this forecast may yet change once again, its certainly a system worth keeping an eye on!