Snow Watch 2021
17 Aug 2021 12:55 #77094
by Riaang
Replied by Riaang on topic Snow Watch 2021
Wow, so beautiful.
We were there last weekend and there was no snow, although an arctic wind was blowing on top. Coming down we were cooking in the sun on the lower berg. Amazing how quickly the weather can change in the berg!
We were there last weekend and there was no snow, although an arctic wind was blowing on top. Coming down we were cooking in the sun on the lower berg. Amazing how quickly the weather can change in the berg!
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17 Aug 2021 20:12 - 17 Aug 2021 20:15 #77097
by tonymarshall
Replied by tonymarshall on topic Snow Watch 2021
Neil Margetts, Nadine, and I were at Witsieshoek on Saturday morning, and experienced the after effects of the snow that fell on Friday night, which was quite a bit more than forecast, and the further snowfalls of Saturday and Saturday night. We were unable to drive up to the Sentinel car park, the snow was too thick on the road, and we didn't want to risk getting stuck somewhere on the road and damaging the vehicle or blocking the road. We also assumed there would be more snow higher up which would make it more difficult and slower. So we did a bit of walking close to the lodge and built a snowman.
On Sunday the road was pretty much the same, so we went for another walk and then went home. Just before we left we spoke to a guy who had driven up to the carpark, and saw the huge damage on his vehicle from sliding off the road several times, so a good decision not to try to drive up. As we drove out, traffic was queued to come in to look at the snow from the boom where you pay, back to the end of the tar road where the paving road starts.
Some photos of the snow at the lodge.
On Sunday the road was pretty much the same, so we went for another walk and then went home. Just before we left we spoke to a guy who had driven up to the carpark, and saw the huge damage on his vehicle from sliding off the road several times, so a good decision not to try to drive up. As we drove out, traffic was queued to come in to look at the snow from the boom where you pay, back to the end of the tar road where the paving road starts.
Some photos of the snow at the lodge.
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Last edit: 17 Aug 2021 20:15 by tonymarshall. Reason: Correct formatting
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18 Aug 2021 08:40 #77098
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2021
Monday's clear weather allowed a great view of the snow (blue) from the Modis satellite, showing significant cover extending into central Lesotho:
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23 Aug 2021 11:05 #77113
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2021
I wont put up any snow maps just yet, as there is still some uncertainty in the models, but I will mention that multiple models are currently suggesting that there may be a potential MAJOR snowfall this coming weekend. Will be keeping a close eye on developments!
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25 Aug 2021 07:27 - 25 Aug 2021 11:57 #77114
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2021
So with the event now 3 days away, and with the models showing some good consistency, it seems more and more likely that a large scale snowfall will occur this coming Saturday/Sunday.
Some models are showing a chance of some very low freezing levels, dropping well below 1500m in places. Combined with some possible heavy precipitation means we could even see snow falling below 1000m which would be quite unusual for KZN.
As it stands, most of the escarpment and adjacent midlands could expect snow accumulations of 20-30cm so this does also pose a risk of roads becoming impassable, so bear this in mind if you're thinking of heading out.
As well as heavy snow, the escarpment can also expect some strong winds, and possible temperatures of -10C or colder.
Some models are showing a chance of some very low freezing levels, dropping well below 1500m in places. Combined with some possible heavy precipitation means we could even see snow falling below 1000m which would be quite unusual for KZN.
As it stands, most of the escarpment and adjacent midlands could expect snow accumulations of 20-30cm so this does also pose a risk of roads becoming impassable, so bear this in mind if you're thinking of heading out.
As well as heavy snow, the escarpment can also expect some strong winds, and possible temperatures of -10C or colder.
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Last edit: 25 Aug 2021 11:57 by JonWells.
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26 Aug 2021 10:57 #77116
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2021
Just an update here, the most recent model runs are certainly starting to indicate much less snow than they were previously.
Although the escarpment may still expect 20-30cm in places, a lot of the Midlands expected snow has reduced to 5-15cm:
Although the escarpment may still expect 20-30cm in places, a lot of the Midlands expected snow has reduced to 5-15cm:
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30 Aug 2021 08:32 - 30 Aug 2021 16:42 #77118
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2021
Well, at the last minute the models showed a sudden substantial decrease in the amount of expected snow for the mountains. Elinda, Smurfatefrog and I had committed to to heading up to Sleeping Beauty Annex so we spent Saturday night there. We had very little snow, but many hours of persistent sleet/ice pellets which accumulated to eventually look like snow. The next morning was -5.8C in the cave.
The models certainly were correct about unusually low altitude snow being possible, Alverstone (850m) had light snow settling on the ground, and a few light snowflakes were spotted falling in Hillcrest (650m) which is pretty astonishing!
Below is yesterdays satellite image showing the remains of the snow in light blue:
The models certainly were correct about unusually low altitude snow being possible, Alverstone (850m) had light snow settling on the ground, and a few light snowflakes were spotted falling in Hillcrest (650m) which is pretty astonishing!
Below is yesterdays satellite image showing the remains of the snow in light blue:
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Last edit: 30 Aug 2021 16:42 by JonWells.
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06 Sep 2021 08:05 #77126
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2021
Another round of snowfall is expected across the escarpment over the course of today and tomorrow. As it stands, around 10cm is forecast for most places, with up to 20cm possible in parts of the Southern Berg:
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09 Sep 2021 08:32 #77127
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2021
Here is yesterday's Terra satellite image showing the remains of Tuesdays snowfall. Although the Northern Berg was left out this time, the entire Southern Berg escarpment received good snowfall, with it falling down to 1600m in places:
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