Weather patterns, weather interpretation and management of weather information:

What are the main climatic conditions that shape the alpine, sub-alpine and dry
environment of the Snowy River? Include references to features linked to localised wind
(Examples of these), cold air drainage, and rain shadows (400)
The Alpine area is obviously subjected to some of the harshest conditions in Australia.
According to climate and weather of the Australian Alps (2013) With sub zero winters and
relatively cool summers the heating and cooling process through many millions of years has
weathered the rock and soils.
Large snow dumps in the winter limit plants growing period, making many alpine plants very
small. Such as the mountain plum pine which grows 6cm every 170 years. (Lawrence. R,
2016).
As the altitude increase the amount of atmospheric dust decreases meaning there is
considerably more ultraviolet light. At 1200m in direct sunlight there is almost double the
normal amount of ultraviolet light. According to Bushwalking and Ski Touring Leadership
(2000) p.96.
Changes in altitude effect moisture in both the ground and air, valleys will be wetter thus
holding more flora and fauna life ridges and mountain tops will be baron and dry, or with
very little vegetation.
Winds arguably have the most effect on how the Kosciuszko area has been formed; shifting
soils and weathering rocks there effects are observable in a lot of locations. Katabatic winds,
anabatic winds rain shadows and cold air drainage are all formed by air and changes in
pressure.
Rain shadows are formed when moist air is pushed up a mountain by differentiating air
pressures or wind. This moist air then expands due to a lack of air pressure as it gains
altitude. It then begins to cool which will form clouds and potentially precipitation on the
windward side of the hill. As the air loses weight due to the precipitation it then it descends
and can begin to hold more water due to the loss of altitude and gain in pressure, thus
precipitation will cease. This will mainly be present in alpine areas and hopefully we do get
to see some. Bushwalking and Ski Touring Leadership (2000) p.97.
cold air drainage effects areas where there is a low point surrounded by high sides, the
cooling air from higher up drains down and pools up creating these extremely cool zones and
at times as cool as -20c (personal communication, Lawrence. R).
Katabatic winds are formed when mountains radiate heat. The air than comes into contact
with the mountain thus cooling and becoming denser. This dense air then begins to fall down

the slope due to its weight thus creating Katabatic winds. This is what begins to form inverted
tree lines, most likely visible in the alpine and sub alpine areas.
Anabatic
when the
mountain is
air. The air
expand and
upslope wind,
altitude it
fall back down
begins to

winds are formed

surface of the
warmer than the
will begin to
rise creating an
as it raises in
begins to cool and
where it then
repeat the cycle

What external methods exist for the prediction and documentation of weather in these
regions i.e. What resources do the Bureau of Meteorology or other services have for
this region, how do you access it and useful links (200)
With the advancement of modern day technologies such as satellites and weather balloons,
predicting the weather forecast has never been more reliable. The Bureau of Meteorology
(BOM) uses multiple sources to achieve their forecast. BOM is an Australian government run
Bureau meaning their data is without doubt the best that can be found. The use of polar
orbiting satellites, which orbit from the North Pole to the South Pole taking nonstop pictures
of the globe on a 12 hour basis which is then relayed to the BOM Head quarters. This is what
produces the images or forecasted charts. Weather balloons are still used till this day for
forecasting pressure systems and one of the most common is a simple (or not so simple)

weather station, these weather stations relay up to date real time data. When I plan to enter
the alpine area i will be utilising pressure charts, satellite images and real time data to
formulate my own forecast and then compare it with BOMs forecast. This allows me to have
the most knowledge of what is to come rather than just knowledge of the temperature. To
access most of this information simply follow the provided links or look up the BOM
website. This information was sourced from previous knowledge in conjunction with the
Bureau Of Meteorology website.
Rain radar for Australian Alps http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR491.loop.shtml#skip
7 day forecast for the Thredbo region http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/thredbo.shtml
River level charts http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDN60144.html
Australian synoptics charts http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/4day_col.shtml
MET eye for the Australian Alps http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/?loc=VIC_FA001

Explanation of basic weather prediction and techniques for the area (300)
Being able to understand and predict incoming weather whilst in the field can mean the
difference between a comfortable nights sleep or staying awake in a shaking tent all night.
According to Bushwalking and Ski touring leadership having an understanding of the local
weather map and then applying your own local conditions will give you the most accurate
forecast. Understanding what winds will bring is a great way to forecast weather, a simple
way to do this is to. Face north if the wind is on the left side of your face expect worsening
conditions and if it on the right side expect stable conditions. Reading clouds is an almost
invaluable bit of knowledge, understanding clouds can at times give you a forecast for the
next 24 hours. Being a fisherman myself paying attention to weather is vital, one of the best
lessons over many years is that a red sky at night means a clear windless day to follow but a

red sky in the morning means a windy overcast day is going to follow. And a foggy grey
morning will most likely pan out to be a clear day.
For the trip I will mostly be focusing on reading clouds. This is a simple task that can give
accurate forecasts for up to the next 24 hours. It requires relatively little knowledge and no
need for tools.
I will be taking a cloud identification app on my ipod and 3 or four copies of cloud charts to
share around the group.
These are the main clouds to be looking for:
Low altitude clouds
- Cumulus
- Stratocumulus
- Stratus
Mid altitude clouds
- Altocumulus
- Altostratus
High altitude clouds
- Cirrus
- Cirrocumulus
- Cirrostratus
Storm front clouds
- Nimbostratus
- Cumulonimbus

This is a great cloud chart it gives an image of th cloud plus where they are likely to be seen.

Here a link to find the cloud chart:

https://empoweryourknowledgeandhappytrivia.wordpress.com/2014/10/18/clouds-chart/
What risk management strategies are utilised in the field when dealing with severe
weather activity i.e lightning, high winds, and bushfires (300)
Extreme weather can pose a great risk to anyone who is out in the wilderness. Knowing how
to act when these events occur can make greatly increase the groups safety. Firstly try to
avoid entering the environment at all if the events forecasted to occur.
Lightning- lightning is generally associated with large storms. Always keep an eye on the
clouds and if they begin to form Nimbocumlus or Nimbo stratus begin to seek shelter and if
at high elevation start making your way down especially off ridge lines. Lightning in its
simplest form is the transfer of electrons from earth to clouds. The clouds build up a positive
charge and are attracted to the negative charge of the ground thus creating a large electron
transfer. Electrons will always pick the easiest possible route wether that is a tree on an open
plain, or through a human on a ridge line. It will always go for the highest easiest route

possible. The 30/30 rule is the safest way to prevent any injury or death. As soon as the first
bolt of lightning is seen count the time between the light and the sound is it is below 30
seconds begin seeking low ground shelter. If it is below 15 seconds assume the lightning
position. Do not get out of the lighting position until the storm has stopped completely or the
time between flash and bang is longer the 30 seconds. Make sure the group is spread out and
not near any large trees or water sources.
High winds-avoid high plateaus or anywhere the wind is funnelled, when making camp set
up on the lee side of hills or behind wind breaks. Avoid trees that look dead, and remember
the simple phrase Look up and live. High winds and rain can creating very cold conditions
if possible try to wait the weather out. It is better to be late or hungry than to be cold and
hypothermic.
Bushfire-find the best available cover look for; streams, pools, eroded gullies, holes made by
fallen trees, road bridges, deep wheel ruts on roads. Essentially anything low. Protect yourself
from radiant heat using the large woollen blanket, and anything woollen not synthetic. Look
after the group and stay hydrated. Bushwalking and Ski Touring Leadership (2000) p.202.
Interactive presentation
I plan to play a game of cloud charades. Each group member will be given a cloud type on a
card with some useful facts about it at the beginning of the day. In the afternoon I will then
initiate the game. The group is split into two teams each member has to act out their cloud
type using props or whatever they can find in only 30 seconds. The team that is able to guess
the most wins a prize. I will also give out some interesting facts about each cloud type once
they have been acted out.
I plan to do this in the second week in the sub alpine area on a rest day once the group is
more comfortable around each other. This activity should engage the whole team and leave a
memorable experience.
10 Teachable moment ideas
-Handing out cloud charts for people to use throughout the trip.
-Cloud watching on a sunny afternoon.
-Looking at and explaining a lenticular cloud. Hopefully we see one as these are so freaking
cool.
-Hopefully we will be able to observe some cold air drainage.
-Explain some cool facts about lightning.
-look at and explain how inverted tree lines are made.
-Attempt to forecast the weather using the wind and explain how this works.
-hopefully we will be able to witness a storm front moving in and what to expect.

-if the opportunity presents itself say whilst walking below or on a ridge line explain how
Katabatic and anabatic winds work and how the effect the environment.
-looking at rain shadows and hopefully getting to witness one.
Resources
http://www.bom.gov.au
this link is to the bureau of Meteorology of Australia, this website provides multiple areas
of research such as climatic patterns, how to read weather charts and weather charts for
the Australian alps. it is a vital resource.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bioregions/AustralianAlps-Climate.htm
Kosciuszko National Park (2006) Plan of Management, New South Wales National
Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/australianAlps.pdf
Mason, R. CLIMATE AND WEATHER OF THE AUSTRALIAN ALPS (1st ed.). Retrieved
from https://theaustralianalps.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/climate.pdf
Bushwalking and Mountaincraft training Advisory board Inc. (2000).Bushwalking and
Ski Touring Leadership: outdoor recreation leadership in Australia. Victoria: BMTAB.