Click photo to enlarge
Paul Speedy, manager of the adults' snowsports school at
Coronet Peak, jumps for joy in front of the base building
yesterday morning. Photo Supplied.
A severe weather warning for snow in Otago and Southland
was lifted yesterday, as the MetService forecast a brief easing
of the cold, southerly conditions today.
This follows a cold snap which closed at least one school
yesterday, disrupted the travel plans for those using
Queenstown International Airport and excited Queenstown
skifield operators predicting the coming ski season is set to
start off with a "hiss and a roar".
Sunday's snow fall closed Lee Stream School yesterday and
resulted in warnings to watch road conditions.
Motorists on State Highway 94, from Te Anau to Milford, were
required to carry chains but other roads were clear,
Transit's website reported.
While the level that snow falls to was expected to rise to
700m last night, cold southeasterly winds and rain showers
were expected to continue in coastal Otago this morning.
MetService forecaster Vive Binkoto said a break in the
weather was expected this afternoon but another low off the
coast of the South Island would bring cold showers to sea
level and snow to about 700m tonight.
It was predicted inland Otago would experience similar
conditions, with light showers easing this afternoon and then
returning with some sleet tonight, she said.
Temperatures again dropped to lows of 2degC and below around
the region yesterday, with highs barely reaching double
figures.
It was expected temperatures would remain about 10degC to
11degC for the next few days with a high of 13degC expected
on Thursday.
The Remarkables Ski Area manager Ross Lawrence said 55cm of
snow had fallen in the area since last Wednesday.
Yesterday, the base had up to 45cm of snow on the ground but
the cloud was beginning to clear, he said.
"This storm has come through here with gusto.
"It's welcome at this time of year," he said.
The skifield would open as planned on June 20.
The season was expected to go through to October 11, he said.
"We had a few keen local freestyle skiers up here over the
weekend hitting the rails in the fresh snow, which was great
to see," he said.
Coronet Peak ski area manager Hamish McCrostie said he was
"thrilled" with the weekend's conditions.
Up to 50cm of snow had fallen in the area in the last week.
He said 25cm had fallen at the top of the mountain over
Sunday night, and 15cm at the base.
