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Snow forecast over Great Southern’s Bluff Knoll in rare seasonal event

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With temperatures in the Stirling Ranges hovering around 10C around noon, Mr Tarr said it “might be cold enough this afternoon or evening” to spot snowflakes.
Camera IconWith temperatures in the Stirling Ranges hovering around 10C around noon, Mr Tarr said it “might be cold enough this afternoon or evening” to spot snowflakes. Credit: Supplied

It’s gorgeous on a clear day, but nothing gets West Aussies more awe-struck by the wonder of Bluff Knoll than when snow falls over the Stirling Ranges’ 1099-metre gem.

Believed to occur only once or twice a year, Duty Forecaster Bob Tarr at BoM suggested heaven may be opening its pearly white gates over the coveted summit on Thursday.

With temperatures in the Stirling Ranges hovering around 10C around noon, Mr Tarr said it “might be cold enough this afternoon or evening” to spot snowflakes.

Golden hour at Bluff Knoll, Western Australia. Joss Taylor and Megan Alcorn are the digital content creators behind @seaustravl, an online blog documenting their travels across Australia since 2020.
Camera IconGolden hour at Bluff Knoll, Western Australia. Joss Taylor and Megan Alcorn are the digital content creators behind @seaustravl, an online blog documenting their travels across Australia since 2020. Credit: @seaustravl
Morgan Steven on Bluff Knoll in June 2023.
Camera IconMorgan Steven on Bluff Knoll in June 2023. Credit: Jake Reid

However, eager hikers should be aware a “light dusting” is more likely than a Christmas miracle atop the sky-high peak.

Blanketing snow cover is believed to occur once every 10 years, with a notable downfall in 1998 leaving 20cm of powdered snow.

With the advent of social media, evidence of snow over Bluff Knoll has become more frequent due to hikers sharing their rare experiences with others online.

Callum Duffield and Harry Rout enjoying the snow on Bluff Knoll in June 2023.
Camera IconCallum Duffield and Harry Rout enjoying the snow on Bluff Knoll in June 2023. Credit: Harry Rout
Snow falls in Stirling Range National Park and Bluff Knoll as a cold snap hits Western Australia
Camera IconSnow falls in Stirling Range National Park and Bluff Knoll as a cold snap hits Western Australia in June 2023. Credit: Frederick Schaafsma/Frederick Schaafsma

Relying on cold winds from the Southern Ocean, Mr Tarr suggested the chance of snow may be “more favourable” tomorrow during the day should no snow fall on Thursday.

July and August are thought to be equally as likely to produce snowfall, with September the third best chance to produce a rare shower ahead of June.

With August 1 having already produced one snow event this season, a potential sequel on Thursday or Friday would be in line with BoM’s annual findings.

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