Snow Watch 2022

10 Jan 2022 08:32 - 10 Aug 2022 07:36 #77419 by JonWells
Snow Watch 2022 was created by JonWells
This is the official thread for Snow Watch 2022. Feel free to post pictures, information, questions and reports about the snow conditions in the Drakensberg for 2022. 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. This also serves as a historical reference for years to come.

Historical Snow Watch threads:
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2019
2020
202​​​​​​1

1) 10 April - Light to medium snow fall across most of the Northern Berg high ground
2) 17-18 April- Snow across range on the escarpment peaks
3) 9 May - Light snowfall across peaks of Southern and Northern Berg.
4) 21 May- Medium to heavy snowfall across entire escarpment
5) 15 June - Light snow on the high ground of Western/Central Lesotho, as well as in the Afriski Region.
6) 11 July - Light dusting on parts of the Southern and Northern Berg Escarpment.
7) 25 July - Light snow across most of the escarpment
8) 27 July - Light to medium snowfall across the whole escarpment
9) 30 July - Another round of light snow confirmed for Southern and Northern escarpment
10) 8 August - Light snow confirmed on the Southern and Northern escarpment
Last edit: 10 Aug 2022 07:36 by JonWells.
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18 Jan 2022 11:23 #77431 by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Snow Watch 2022
Hi John or others
Big thanks for looking after the weather side of things.
Is anyone able to give us a brief run down on how the La Lina is and is going to affect the berg, rain/snowfall temperature for the coming year.
Thanks
Karl

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19 Jan 2022 08:41 - 19 Jan 2022 08:42 #77435 by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2022
Hi ST

Mr Tiska is likely the best person to answer your question, so I am sure he will give some input when he pops in again 

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It has certainly been a great rain season so far for KZN, and average KZN dam levels are by far the highest (81.7%) I've seen since I started tracking their levels in 2015/2016.  What's more is that dam levels generally peak in May, so there is still a few months to go!

Out of interest, comparing January average KZN dam levels:

 

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Last edit: 19 Jan 2022 08:42 by JonWells.
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24 Jan 2022 16:11 #77436 by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Snow Watch 2022
Almost 30% more this year.  A fair bit!

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07 Apr 2022 07:28 - 07 Apr 2022 07:30 #77567 by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2022
So for the first time this year, the models are forecasting snow across much of the escarpment for the period starting this evening and ending on Monday morning.  As is usual for the first snow of the year, the freezing levels will be fairly high (mainly above 3200m) so snow may be limited to the high peaks, although could reach general escarpment level.  

Some fairly heavy precipitation is possible in places, particularly the north, but it remains to be seen how much will fall as rain and how much will fall as snow.

 

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Last edit: 07 Apr 2022 07:30 by JonWells.
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07 Apr 2022 10:46 #77569 by GWTennant
Replied by GWTennant on topic Snow Watch 2022
We're starting our GT with Mountain Backpackers Club on Saturday.  Given the forecast, I'm looking at Crows Nest Cave as an option for sitting things out, if necessary.  Can anyone enlighten me as to the current state of the cave? It's been ages since I've been there...

Thanks!
Geoff

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07 Apr 2022 12:50 #77570 by tonymarshall
Replied by tonymarshall on topic Snow Watch 2022
Yes, I stayed in Crows Nest Cave in November 2020 and it was in good condition. Last year in September when I climbed Inner Tower, there was a small group we were walking back with afterwards, and they went up to look at Crows Nest Cave. We took our time a bit around the hut, and saw them again at the chain ladder and they described the cave as being usable and in good condition.

All the best for the GT.
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07 Apr 2022 17:02 #77572 by GWTennant
Replied by GWTennant on topic Snow Watch 2022
Many thanks!

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08 Apr 2022 12:25 #77578 by RogerRood
Replied by RogerRood on topic Snow Watch 2022
Just jumped on and saw your message Tony! Thanks...good information to know in case we need it. Best Regards.

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08 Apr 2022 14:21 - 08 Apr 2022 14:22 #77579 by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Snow Watch 2022
Just an additional note here. Latest model runs have shown a very large increase in the expected overall precipitation for the Northern Berg.  Although some of this may fall as snow, the possibility also exists of extremely high amounts of rain falling, up to 150mm+ is possible over the next 4 days:

 

 

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Last edit: 08 Apr 2022 14:22 by JonWells.
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