Southern Hemisphere Snow: Argentina and Chile Pounded; + UN Calls For Global "Red Alert" Despite Clear And Obvious Natural Forcings

A warmer-than-average year-and-a-half can be FULLY explained by natural forcings, no CO2 Boogeyman required.

Southern Hemisphere Snow Round-Up: Argentina and Chile Pounded

As spring arrives in the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina and Chile continue to see deep snowpacks and frequent snowfall. While Australia and New Zealand are facing milder conditions and dwindling snow, the mountains of South America, most notably the Andes, remain cold and snowy, providing excellent late-season skiing.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand’s ski seasons have struggled of late, with warmer temperatures and melting snow the theme.

A recent Antarctic blast did help matters, delivering fresh snow to a few Aussie resorts, though many have already closed or reduced terrain. While in New Zealand, the cold front dropped fresh powder to higher elevations, temporarily improving conditions despite ongoing challenges from rain and wind.

Broken River, New Zealand on Sept 4, 2024.

Argentina

Argentina, on the other hand, is enjoying one of its best spring ski seasons on record.

The most-recent storm alone has brought some 50 cm (20 inches) of fresh powder, with many resorts reporting 70-100% of terrain open. Catedral, near Bariloche, has the most open terrain globally, with 100 km (64 miles) of slopes and snow depths of up to 160 cm (64 inches). Temperatures remain favorable for skiing here, consistently holding below the freezing mark.

Chapelco is boasting the world’s deepest snowpack with 55 cm (22 inches) at the base and a whopping 330 cm (132 inches) up top, with 95% of its slopes open. Many Argentine resorts plan to stay open through October, many extending their seasons.

Argentina's Vallecitos on August 30, 2024.

Looking ahead, more snow is forecast for southern Argentina, with the likes of Las Leñas and Catedral expecting another 20 cm (8 inches) by the weekend. Temperatures will consistently read -10C (14F) in the mountains, maintaining the snowy conditions.

Chile

Chile’s ski season remains strong, especially in the south, where snow depths at Nevados de Chillán range from 210-290 cm (84-116 inches). Most Chilean resorts are 80-100% open, with the Tres Valles area (including La Parva, Valle Nevado, and El Colorado) offering 100 km (63 miles) of slopes with snow depths between peaking at 290 cm (116 inches).

Cold overnight temperatures and continued snowfall are ensuring that snowpacks remain intact. As with Argentina, Chile is forecast more snow in the coming days.

Portillo, Chile on Sept 3, 2024

UN Calls For Global "Red Alert" Despite Clear And Obvious Natural Forcings

The recent temperature spike of 2023 and the first half of 2024 can be fully explained by natural factors, not a runaway climate crisis. A powerful El Niño, the unprecedented eruption of the Hunga Tonga submarine volcano, and an unexpectedly intense solar maximum have all contributed to the rise in global temperatures — no CO2 boogeyman required.