50cm+ of Snowfall in New Zealand
50cm+ of Snowfall in New Zealand
Published : 19-Aug-2024 06:29
New Zealand ski areas have reported up to 50cm (20") of snowfall through the weekend resulting in some of the best conditions of the year to date today.
However, there was so much snow many centres delayed opening, with others saying they could not open today at all until lifts are dug out and avalanche safety measures taken.
Unlike most previous snowfalls this season to date, the snowfall was also heavy down to valleys in many areas, which has also caused issues with access road closures.
Mt Lyford ski area, pictured above today, posted, "Sorry we are closed today, we have had 40cm in the village and 50cm+ at Lake Stella. We wont know the ski area total until we reach the top today. Another storm is due to roll in this afternoon. We will spend the day clearing roads and will do our best to get open by tomorrow. More updates later once we make it up the mountain."
However, Porters, pictured below today, did manage to open by the afternoon and reported,
"Afternoon pow! Thanks everyone for their patience today and a big shout out to the patrol team for getting us open in challenging conditions. The forecast is bluebird for tomorrow and there are still fresh turns to be had!"
Most New Zealand ski areas were already posting their best conditions of the season to date, which is entering its final month for some, although several plan to stay open to the latter half of October.
Most were already fully open with base depths in the 1m-2m bracket.
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