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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1979-80: VUWAE 24

C. WEATHER

C. WEATHER

Overall the weather conditions in the Coombs Hills ranged from poor to dismal. Out of the nine days (6th to 14th) spent in the Mt. Brooke end of the Hills four were entirely lost due to gale conditions (winds in excess of 50 knots and temperatures down to −18°C). On another one and a half days conditions were at best only marginal. At the second (lower) campsite at the northern end of Coombs Hills near the Curreen Glacier conditions were considerably better. Only one day was lost, although gale conditions made another marginal. Observations of the Mt. Brooke end of the Hills made from the northeastern (Curreen Glacier) end suggested that bad weather conditions (i.e. non working) existed in the former location when workable conditions existed in the latter.

We would strongly recommend that campsites in the Coombs Hills along the Plateau edge and near the headof the Odell Glacier be avoided. On no account should parties camp on the Upper Odell Glacier. Very strong katabatic winds would appear to be common throughout the region and in the latter area would place a party at risk.

At Bull Pass the typical Dry Valley climate was relaxing and much appreciated. Summary of weather records are presented in Appendix III.