VNOG high country snow trip - Queen's Birthday long weekend

[navarian]

If lifts are turning at Buller,you'll most likely get stung gate entry if you go in through Mirimbah.
http://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/Mountain/Resort-Entry

 

[Ridgie]

With too much snow we might need one of these:

http://www.peremaimi.com/eng/item/navarquita.html


or one of these..................

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=...&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi


SNOW CHAIN INFO:

http://www.snowchains.com.au/id5.html




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[docp1980]

we can laugh now ... but how many of would really be wishing we;d bought the electric warmed clothes once we get into the high country .... brrrrrr

Geez, if you need heated clothes for the Australian Alps then don't ever consider heading over to Europe or Canada/US for winter! Australian winters are mild, I doubt it will drop much below -5 at night.... A set of merino thermals, jeans, a warm hoody and a beanie will be nice n toasty.

 

[Ridgie]

No shorts Doc!!! It's cold if you aren't in your shorts!

 

[docp1980]

If lifts are turning at Buller,you'll most likely get stung gate entry if you go in through Mirimbah.
http://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/Mountain/Resort-Entry

Yeah we'll all be up for a mountain pass at Mirimbah. I'll be grabbing a season pass so it doesn't bother me, but if anyone wants to avoid the gate fee, we can come in via Bindaree Road, but it involves a fair detour.....

 

[docp1980]

No shorts Doc!!! It's cold if you aren't in your shorts!

Haha, can't make any promises Daz! I always throw a pair in, regardless of the season!

 

[docp1980]

You shouldn't have posted that plow mod, you've just given Woody more ideas!

With too much snow we might need one of these:

http://www.peremaimi.com/eng/item/navarquita.html


or one of these..................

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=...&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi


SNOW CHAIN INFO:

http://www.snowchains.com.au/id5.html




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[WoodyD40]

too late ... i've already looked at the plow ... and wondered if i ordered it today if it would arrive in time for the weekend.

LOL

 

[scottybobcat]

Kendall and I are keen to see craigs hut and hire a tabogon

 

[Ridgie]

too late ... i've already looked at the plow ... and wondered if i ordered it today if it would arrive in time for the weekend.

LOL

Hey it's Mr Plow.

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?img...tbm=isch&prmd=ivnso&ei=Sn_tTaXHIoj4vwPM0sGsBg

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?img...tbm=isch&prmd=ivnso&ei=Sn_tTaXHIoj4vwPM0sGsBg


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[Leprechaun]

Flat out today Ridgie?

 

[Ridgie]

Yeah - just taking some flex time!!!! .........you too I see!

 

[ONLOCK]

do we need to hire chains? if so and we get them from mansfield. has anybody thought about how we are going to get them back there considering were gonna finish in bright?

also im keen for whatever either tackling monument or hanging around to play in the snow. play it by ear. also depends on whether my winch is running, im waiting on a replacement solenoid

 

[WoodyD40]

do we need to hire chains? if so and we get them from mansfield. has anybody thought about how we are going to get them back there considering were gonna finish in bright?

I asked the same question from my mate who has a 4x4 shop in cranbourne. I was advised not to bother with chains, as i have MUD tyres on my navara. with a basic lift kit and decent tyres, we should be alright without chains apparantly. Some winching and snatch straps will help for the rest.

also im keen for whatever either tackling monument or hanging around to play in the snow. play it by ear. also depends on whether my winch is running, im waiting on a replacement solenoid

I bypassed my Isoloation switch on my winch after the Kurth Kiln VNOG outing and havnt worried about it since. Works just great now.

 

[Ridgie]

do we need to hire chains? if so and we get them from mansfield. has anybody thought about how we are going to get them back there considering were gonna finish in bright?

Kyle - I posted this link a couple of days ago. I will be carrying chains. I understand that to get through the gates at Mirimbah you may need to have them depending on the weather - although Matt or Ian would know more.

SNOW CHAIN INFO:

http://www.snowchains.com.au/id5.html

There is also AJAYs in Heathmont who have them to fit our size tyres.

Found this on the link Ian posted up:
http://www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/Mountain/First-Timer-Info/Do-I-have-to-carry-wheel-chains

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[WoodyD40]

Is anyone bringing their wife or g/f? There is a reasonable chance my mrs will be coming now on this trip ....

 

[docp1980]

Regarding chains, in order to get past the gates at Mirimbah, if the forecast is for snow and/or the roads are icy up to Buller/Stirling they may stipulate that 4wds have to carry chains (although I've only ever been asked, they have never actually checked like i'm sure they would for 2wd vehicles) and fit them at their own desire. Chains in general are only used in icy conditions, they allow the tyre to break the ice seal on top and punch down into the harder layer (usually tarmac) to find traction.

I think you'll find that a muddy dropped to around 15 psi will handle most deeper snow fine, just as long as there is a well packed base beneath. Snow driving is more comparable to sand driving, low tyre pressures and momentum are the keys.

That said, i'm still carrying chains incase of ice, no tyre apart from proper winter tyres will break through ice which means zero traction!

 

[ONLOCK]

I dont mind hiring chains its just from that website it looks like mansfield is my only choice but I wont be travelling back that way, and woody my gf will be there.

 

[WoodyD40]

I've been doing some checking around - ie phone calls to mansfield.

The BP roadhouse on the way back out of town, sells and hires out chains (mud and snow chains). The Diesel is Alpine diesel now. ph 5775 2807.

I expect to purchase a set of chains as i top up with fuel at the BP.

I have also just phoned Mt Buller resort (5777 6077), and have been advised that circuit track will be closed as of thursday due to the early and heavy snow dump they have recieved so no access to Mt Stirling or to Craigs hut. This will probably change our game plan then for saturday. We will need to start paying for access to the area from FRIDAY ($36.00), and we are advised to carry snow chains with us (even for 4wd's)

 

[WoodyD40]

weather update - for the area we will be heading into:

Forecast issued at 5:40 am EST on Wednesday 8 June 2011.
Weather Situation
A cold and vigorous southwesterly airflow is located over Victoria. An associated deep low pressure system just east of Tasmania will track northeast to lie just east of Bass Strait on Wednesday. The low will remain just east of Bass Strait on Thursday before moving away to the east on Friday. Meanwhile, a high pressure system will build south of the Bight through till Saturday.
Forecast for the rest of Wednesday
Cloudy. Areas of morning frost. Scattered showers with hail, becoming widespread around midday, then becoming less widespread later in the evening. Showers falling as snow at times above 500 metres. Winds west to southwesterly averaging 15 to 25 km/h, reaching 35 km/h at times. Daytime maximum temperatures between 0 and 10.

No UV Alert, UV Index predicted to reach 2 [Low]
Local Town Forecasts
Precis Icon Location Max
Albury-Wodonga 9
Wangaratta 10
Mount Buller -3
Mount Hotham -3
Falls Creek -3
Thursday 9 June
Cloudy. Areas of severe morning frost. Isolated showers, falling as snow above 1000 metres. Winds south to southwesterly averaging 15 to 25 km/h, reaching 35 km/h at times. Overnight temperatures falling to around 0 with daytime temperatures reaching between 5 and 12.
Friday 10 June
Cloudy. Isolated showers until late afternoon, falling as snow above 1200 metres. Areas of morning frost. Winds south to southeasterly averaging 15 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to around 2 with daytime temperatures reaching between 7 and 14.
Saturday 11 June
Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost. Winds south to southeasterly averaging 10 to 20 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to around 0 with daytime temperatures reaching between 7 and 14.