SNOW CHAIN AND DRIVING SAFETY INFORMATION FOR MOUNT BUFFALO

Note that the requirement to carry chains to Mount Buffalo has been cancelled as of the evening of 20 September. We will advise if this changes.

-SNOW CHAIN RULES AT MOUNT BUFFALO

WINTER 2018
The rules for the carrying and use of snow chains at Mount Buffalo national park this winter are detailed below.

Previously visitors were required to carry wheel chains within Mt Buffalo National park during the declared snow season. This traditionally was from the Queens Birthday weekend in June until sometime in September when the larger resorts decided to close.
Given that Mt Buffalo is significantly lower than the larger resorts this often meant that we required chains to be carried up here on the plateau when there was little or no snow on the ground and the road was dry and clear. This may have been appropriate previously, particularly when we had visitors staying on the mountain during winter for extended periods, however this is no longer the case.
We have now, however, moved to a much more flexible system whereby we can remove the requirement to carry chains to Mt Buffalo if the forecast is fine and clear for the next 24hrs and the road is clear and dry.
The basic concept is that during the declared snow season when either snow is forecast for under 1600 metres. The highest point on the roads at Mount Buffalo during winter being over 1550 metres, or when potentially hazardous snow or ice conditions exist on the road, chains will be required, when neither of these conditions exist we can remove the requirement to carry chains.
How does this work?

1. The Chains Must Be Carried sign at the entrance to Mt Buffalo is ultimately the official word on whether chains need to be carried or not. When this sign is closed, chains will not be required and when it is open chains must be carried. Mt Buffalo Ranger staff will be managing this.

2. Every day at approximately 9am an email update of current snow conditions on Mt Buffalo will be sent to Visitor Information Centers, Ski Hires and other stakeholders. This report will include whether chains are required to be carried.

3. Every day at approx 4pm the Duty Ranger at Mt Buffalo will assess the forecast weather conditions for the next 24hrs and the state of the road and make a determination as to whether chains will be required for the following day. If there is a change to the current situation you will all receive another email simply informing you of the change.
4.Does this mean it will change every day? No we are expecting the determination to be reasonably consistent given that the Mt Buffalo road does have areas that hold snow and ice for some time creating hazardous conditions. The biggest change will be at the start and end of the season when the snow either has not arrived yet or has left us early.
5. What about AWD and 4WD? There is no differentiation and these rules apply to all vehicles.

The key reason for this change is to increase accessibility to the Mt Buffalo for as many people as possible.

Please carry and fit chains as the signage directs and have a great visit to Mount Buffalo the winter wonderland.

thanks

Julien Atherstone
Mount Buffalo National Park
Parks Victoria