Weather and Walls

[bluetongue]

1.
Coming from sunny queensland in late Nov. I'm fully aware of the fickleness of Tas weather- esp in the SW but I am wondering (a) what sort of (general) weather patterns you could expect in the Walls area at this time of the year, and (b) the type of systems displayed by Met bureau data, that should send possible shivers running down the spine e.g what sort of frontal systems to look for on a weatber map that signify a change for the worse, and how long it might take to develop. There, of course, is no substitute for going prepared for the worst, but I would like to avoid, after travelling from Qld, white out conditions for the entire period. I remember all too well such an experience of the Tongariro circuit many years ago, as well as an almost similar experience in the Stirlings(WA) more recently.
2
Any horror stories with relation to unattended vehicles end of Mersey forest rd.would be welcome ????????

3
Advice pls- is the tasman circuit still available for those of us who still enjoy the freedom of tent based camping?

[pazzar]

November is traditionally fairly dry, but you can never tell. You have to be prepared for every kind of weather.

I haven't had any issues with car theft or vandalism on Mersey Forest Rd, however I recommend either a chain or an axe in the boot just in case. I almost got stuck up there last April after a snow storm came through while I was at Junction Lake. On the drive out I came across 3 large trees across the road. Luckily I managed to either drive around them or pull them to pieces with my hands. I wasn't keen on scratching my brand new car on a tree, but it almost came to that. Now I always have some form of cutting tool when I'm on forestry roads.

As for the Tasman circuit - it is still free of commercial operations for now. Not a bad alternative if the weather is ordinary in the Walls.

[johnw]

Yes, I would also recommend you prepare for anything. Over a 7 or 8 day period between between Xmas and early Jan a few years ago we started in 28 degrees and brilliant sunshine, then had several days of steady rain and very cool conditions, then 100 km/h winds with some snow, more rain, then near blizzard conditions, finally a bit of everything walking out on the last day. That's Tassie , enjoy.

[bluetongue]

Thks to both
If I read correctly between the lines It;s a fair bet to say don't count too much on pre trip weather data cos' you're likely to be caught with yr pants down. Did the one dayer to Cape Raoul ? last year so am keen to do 3 Capes if the weather in the north is grotty. How reliable is the water supply likely to be at this time of the year on the 3 C (2011)

[DaveM]

Check this site out

http://tassieweather.org/forum/ or http://weatherzone.com.au

The first site is a forum address for Tassie weather forums - only a small group but if any "exciting" weather is looming it will often get a run there. The second site has lots of weather info and plenty of weathernuts (like me) gabbing on as well.

As johnw said if you're in for a week - a change in the weather is highly likely. Changes flick through Tassie much more often than you would be used to in Qld.

It might be warm and sunny most of the time - but equally possibly it might not and for a Qld'er not used to Tassie temps it might seem VERY cold to you at some point.

Check climate averages for Liawenee for a good idea of likely temps at the time of your trip.

Actually just checked - Lake St Clair averages approx 3.5 overnight and just over 15 daytime in Nov. BUT Great Lake/Liawenee is 300m higher and therefore colder than Lake St Clair.

For the walls I would guess an overnight avg of maybe 2 ish and day time max maybe 9 to 13. - Mt Wellington @ 1275 metres is 1.5 and 9.2. So use some of these temp ranges as a guide - it might be warmer but it might be colder too.

Be prepared for warm and cold and wet and then enjoy an absolutely incredible area.