The Snowy Mountains
Flora Activity
Read the facts below and make an Infographic about Eucalyptus (Gum) trees. Snow Gums are the most common tree in Thredbo.
There is an example of an infographic below, these are just examples, DON'T USE THE FACTS!
Eucalyptus facts
Read the facts below and make an Infographic about Eucalyptus (Gum) trees. Snow Gums are the most common tree in Thredbo.
There is an example of an infographic below, these are just examples, DON'T USE THE FACTS!
Eucalyptus facts
- Leaves of eucalyptus have lanceolate shape. They are positioned downwards to prevent direct exposure to the sunlight (and consequent loss of water)
- Eucalyptus tree has unique strategy to survive fires that are usual for the Australian forests. Deep inside the tree and inside the roots, eucalyptus has dormant shoots. They will germinate only under the influence of hormones that are triggered by heat (of the fir
- In winter eucalyptus trees simply stop growing and produce no new buds.
- Eucalyptus trees can grow to over 90 m tall — taller than any trees but Californian redwoods.
- Lifespan of eucalyptus depends on the species. Most eucalyptus trees can survive more than 250 years in the wild
- Leaves of eucalyptus are rich in oil that is used to alleviate symptoms of bronchitis, sore throat, nasal congestion…
- Koala's diet is completely based on the leaves of eucalyptus. Despite wide variety of available species of eucalyptus, only few of them are on the koala's menu.
- Eucalyptus is also known as "gum tree" because of the sticky rubbery substance that flows from the injured bark.\ The sight and smell of eucalypts are a defining part of Australian life. The sight of the blue haze from the eucalyptus oil arising from the bush in the mountain ranges west of Sydney gave the Blue Mountains their name.
Flora & Fauna of the Snow Mountains
The Crackenback Valley has a diverse range of snowy mountains sub alpine flora and fauna.
The native snowy mountains fauna is often on show particularly on warmer nights. Some species like wombats can be seen under torch light at night while others like the echidna can be spotted in the middle of the day. Dawn and dusk are great times to see wildlife in the valley and you should certainly see kangaroos at these times.
Animal species that can be seen at in Crackenback Valley include kangaroos, echidnas, wombats and emus. Although not native or wanted, rabbits, wild deer, foxes and sheep can be seen, all of which the kids love.
Reptiles are abundant with many varieties of lizards and skinks. The copperhead snake is often seen out in the warmer months looking for a feed from the thousands of frogs that sing a chorus through the evenings.
Kookaburras, Gang-gang Cockatoos, Crimson and Eastern Rosella’s, Thrush’s and Red-breasted Robins can all be seen hopping through the trees or feeding in the native grasses. Wedge-tail Eagles, hawks and falcons often circle above and if your lucky perched on one of the trees waiting for a thermal.
There are many species of native fauna around all of our properties that include trees, shrubs ground cover and grasses.
The predominant feature in the Crackenback Valley is the Snow Gums. Three main eucalypts make up the upper storey of the woodlands. The Black and White Sallees (eucalyptus stellulata and pauciflora) are both snow gums and are unique to the alpine environment. These trees have been twisted and contorted by the harsh environment and have some beautiful colours especially when wet. The Candlebark (eucalyptas rubida) grow much taller and straighter than the snow gums and have a beautiful red trunk in the warmer months. Two species of wattle have are common, the acacia delbater and the acacia melanoxolin and these provide a home for birds and some extra colour in spring.
Some of the grasses and ground cover include Lomandra, Wallaby Grass, Kangaroo Grass, Native Geranium.
Reference:http://alpinehabitats.com.au/our-snowy-mountains-accommodation/flora-fauna-habitat/
The Crackenback Valley has a diverse range of snowy mountains sub alpine flora and fauna.
The native snowy mountains fauna is often on show particularly on warmer nights. Some species like wombats can be seen under torch light at night while others like the echidna can be spotted in the middle of the day. Dawn and dusk are great times to see wildlife in the valley and you should certainly see kangaroos at these times.
Animal species that can be seen at in Crackenback Valley include kangaroos, echidnas, wombats and emus. Although not native or wanted, rabbits, wild deer, foxes and sheep can be seen, all of which the kids love.
Reptiles are abundant with many varieties of lizards and skinks. The copperhead snake is often seen out in the warmer months looking for a feed from the thousands of frogs that sing a chorus through the evenings.
Kookaburras, Gang-gang Cockatoos, Crimson and Eastern Rosella’s, Thrush’s and Red-breasted Robins can all be seen hopping through the trees or feeding in the native grasses. Wedge-tail Eagles, hawks and falcons often circle above and if your lucky perched on one of the trees waiting for a thermal.
There are many species of native fauna around all of our properties that include trees, shrubs ground cover and grasses.
The predominant feature in the Crackenback Valley is the Snow Gums. Three main eucalypts make up the upper storey of the woodlands. The Black and White Sallees (eucalyptus stellulata and pauciflora) are both snow gums and are unique to the alpine environment. These trees have been twisted and contorted by the harsh environment and have some beautiful colours especially when wet. The Candlebark (eucalyptas rubida) grow much taller and straighter than the snow gums and have a beautiful red trunk in the warmer months. Two species of wattle have are common, the acacia delbater and the acacia melanoxolin and these provide a home for birds and some extra colour in spring.
Some of the grasses and ground cover include Lomandra, Wallaby Grass, Kangaroo Grass, Native Geranium.
Reference:http://alpinehabitats.com.au/our-snowy-mountains-accommodation/flora-fauna-habitat/
AUSTRALIAN HISTORY: SNOWY MOUNTAIN SCHEME
The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme first began as a means of obtaining extra irrigation, however later expanded to integrate a hydro-electric power supply. The project is the single greatest engineering project Australia has ever known and possibly will ever know and has been listed as a "world-class civil engineering project" by the American Society of Civil Engineers [1]. The purpose of the scheme was to collect water from the east of the Great Dividing Range and divert it westward through the Snowy Mountains to the Murray and Murrumbidgee river systems to create a major water supply for farmers and also to generate electricity.
History
When the scheme began in 1949, the rugged Snowy Mountains had barely been charted with few roads to assist in the construction. The Scheme managed by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, now called Snowy Hydro Limited, the body set up to construct the project, had to lay down all the roads before anything could be done. Two nearby townships were destroyed and residents relocated to make way for the huge dams. Several small towns were built for its construction workers of which some have become permanent: Cabramurra (the highest town in Australia); and Khancoban.
Initial proposals in 1918 were instigated by the needs of farmers who wanted to make use of the waters of the Snowy River which flowed down the Great Dividing Ranges into the sea, by diverting the water inland for irrigation. In the same year, a plan for a dam was suggested to the NSW government for the construction of a power plant but made no provision for inland irrigation. However the plans were put on hold, revived once in 1937 and 1944 and it wasn’t until 1946 where the Federal, Victorian and NSW governments joined together to investigate the possibilities of a Snowy Scheme. In 1949 the Government accepted a proposal and the Snowy Mountain Hydro-Electric Power Act was passed in Federal Parliament in July 1949. The Snowy Mountains Authority came into being on August 1 of the same year led by Sir William Hudson, a prominent New Zealand engineer.
Details
Reference: http://www.australianhistory.org/snowy-mtns
The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme first began as a means of obtaining extra irrigation, however later expanded to integrate a hydro-electric power supply. The project is the single greatest engineering project Australia has ever known and possibly will ever know and has been listed as a "world-class civil engineering project" by the American Society of Civil Engineers [1]. The purpose of the scheme was to collect water from the east of the Great Dividing Range and divert it westward through the Snowy Mountains to the Murray and Murrumbidgee river systems to create a major water supply for farmers and also to generate electricity.
History
When the scheme began in 1949, the rugged Snowy Mountains had barely been charted with few roads to assist in the construction. The Scheme managed by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, now called Snowy Hydro Limited, the body set up to construct the project, had to lay down all the roads before anything could be done. Two nearby townships were destroyed and residents relocated to make way for the huge dams. Several small towns were built for its construction workers of which some have become permanent: Cabramurra (the highest town in Australia); and Khancoban.
Initial proposals in 1918 were instigated by the needs of farmers who wanted to make use of the waters of the Snowy River which flowed down the Great Dividing Ranges into the sea, by diverting the water inland for irrigation. In the same year, a plan for a dam was suggested to the NSW government for the construction of a power plant but made no provision for inland irrigation. However the plans were put on hold, revived once in 1937 and 1944 and it wasn’t until 1946 where the Federal, Victorian and NSW governments joined together to investigate the possibilities of a Snowy Scheme. In 1949 the Government accepted a proposal and the Snowy Mountain Hydro-Electric Power Act was passed in Federal Parliament in July 1949. The Snowy Mountains Authority came into being on August 1 of the same year led by Sir William Hudson, a prominent New Zealand engineer.
Details
- It took nearly 25 years to build from 1949 to 1974 and had a historical cost of $800 million [3] is equivalent to approximately $6 billion dollars in today’s (2004) dollar currency.
- The intention was that income from the sale of electricity generated by the scheme was to repay the Commonwealth Government over a period of 70 years. Prior to corporatisation the operation and maintenance of the scheme relating to water management and electricity production were subject to oversight by the Snowy Mountains Council.
- The construction of the scheme employed about 100,000 workers from 30 countries which played an important role in Australia's post-war economic and social development [4].
- The scheme comprises of 16 large dams and many smaller ones, around 145 kilometers of mountain tunnels, seven power stations (two underground), more than 80km of mountain aqueducts and hundreds of kilometers of power lines.
- It covers an area of around 5,000 square kilometres in the rugged Snowy Mountains on the New South Wales-Victoria border.
- The chosen location is significant whereby altitudes exceed 2100m (Mt.Kosciusko, the highest point in Australia) and where a large proportion of the area is over 1800m [2]. This is important as precipitation in the form of snow and rain falls in catchment areas of the Scheme. Water from melting snow and rain is collected and stored in large dams which are then diverted through tunnels and pipelines down to power stations, hundreds of metres below. Mountainous regions are ideally suited to the generation of hydro-electricity, because there is plenty of rain and snow, low temperatures meaning less evaporation and high mountains to provide the steep fall that is needed for the water to spin the turbines [4].
- The Scheme is the largest renewable energy generator in mainland Australia and plays a pivotal role in the operation of the national electricity market, generating approximately 3.5% of the mainland grid's power.
- The Scheme provides approximately 2,100 gigalitres of water a year to the Basin, providing additional water for an irrigated agriculture industry worth about $5 bn per annum, representing more than 40% of the gross value of the nation's agricultural production.
- The scheme has a generating capacity of 3,756 megawatts and it generates an average of 4,500 gigawatt hours of energy per annum.
- The scheme's electricity production was shared 13 per cent Commonwealth, 29 per cent Victoria and 58 per cent New South Wales.
- The scheme was corporatised in June 2002 and commenced operation as a corporate entity in the national electricity market.
- Snowy Hydro currently provides over 70% of all renewable energy that is available to the eastern mainland grid of Australia, as well as providing fast response power to light up the morning and evening rush hours of Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Reference: http://www.australianhistory.org/snowy-mtns
Thredbo Alpine Village History
Aboriginal History
The Aborigines made their way to Australia around 50, 000 years ago, entering through Cape York Peninsula. Back then the Kosciuszko Plateau was the ultimate winter playground, set deep within the ice age. Life was scarce due to the big freeze, but as the earth gradually warmed the Snowy Mountains blossomed. It is believed that Aborigines saw this potential and took up permanent residence on the Monaro between 5,000 to 10,000 years ago.
The Aborigines that moved to the base of the mountains formed four major tribal groups: the YA-itmathang, the Wolgal, the Waradgery and the Ngarigo. The upper slopes were regarded as no-mans land, held in trust for the tribes and because of the winter chill remained uninhabited. The changing of seasons brought on a new lease of life for the Aborigines. In spring the peaks became the perfect meeting place where thousands would gather for ceremonies, share in the wonder of the alpine environment and hold the annual feasting on the Bogong moth, which was considered a delicious delicacy.
These moths (Agrotis infusa) breed on the plains between Queensland to Victoria and migrate to the Alps in spring to escape the heatwave and chill-out in the rocky crevices. The Bogong moth was a crucial part of the Aborigines diet. After a long winter of fasting the moth was seen as the ideal meal, rich in proteins and containing 50-75% fat.
The Village
Thredbo Village, set within the 690,000 hectares of the Kosciuszko National Park, is one of Australia's highest alpine towns. It is perched among the some of Australia's highest mountains between 1365 to 1930 metres above sea level. (Cabramurra is Australia's highest town).
The Thredbo area was originally used by graziers, when, in 1955, a Czechoslovakian with great vision saw the potential for an all year mountain resort. Tony Sponar was working as a Hydrographer for the Snowy Mountains Authority and was captivated by the snow capped peaks and saw great prospects for a ski hill. Sponar had been a ski instructor at the renowned St Anton Resort, Austria from 1941 to 1948. He saw Thredbo developing as an Australian equivalent, with good vertical terrain and an electric atmosphere to match.
In May 1955, the Kosciusko Chairlift and Thredbo Hotel Syndicate was formed. The directors Tony Sponar, Charles Anton, Eric Nicholls and Geoffrey Hughes attained a lease from the state government with a year round resort in mind.
In the winter of 1955 a study of snowfall and weather patterns was carried out, and by the year's end it was decided that Friday Flat/Crackenback Peak was the best place to kick off Thredbo's snow riding sanctuary. A line was cleared and surveyed for the proposed chairlift on Crackenback Peak and in October Sydney businessman Andrew Thyne Reid joined the syndicate.
In January 1957 the good news came. The State Park Trust gave the syndicate an option for a lease, and in the summer of 1956-57 work began on a chairlift and basic accommodation.
The man with the vision, Tony Sponar, was the first area manager. In 1957 he was handed the task of building a road from the Alpine Way to the present site of the Thredbo Alpine Hotel on a budget of just 4000 pounds. To make things even tougher he had a budget of 1000 pounds to build a lodge.
In May 1957 the syndicate was given a new name, Kosciuszko Thredbo Limited, and with the new name came a fresh change. Andrew Thyne Reid was named Chairman and thanks to his experience with James Hardie Asbestos, the money was raised to continue the development of Thredbo.
To obtain a 99 year lease the group had to build a ski lift and 100 bed hotel within five years. After three and a half years it was clear the group needed a partner with more financial strength and construction expertise. Thyne Reid negotiated with the bidders, McGrath Coach Houses and Lend Lease.
In 1961, Lend Lease acquired the lease and up until 1987 developed Thredbo into the most unique alpine resort in Australia.
In January 1987, Amalgamated Holdings Limited, known to most as the Greater Union Organisation, purchased the lease and since then Thredbo has charged into the 21st century. During the summer of 1987/88 over $30 million was invested, installing the largest snowmaking facility in the southern hemisphere along with two state of the art detachable quad chairs. These moves not only ensure great snow when Mother Nature takes a break, but provide comfortable and fast access to explore the mountain and great outdoors.
Since purchasing the head lease from the Lend Lease Corporation in 1987, Amalgamated Holdings Limited has invested over $130 million into developing and improving village infrastructure and facilities. This, along with community building and development, has seen the following achievements over the decade:
An increase in the bed base in the village from 3,000 to 4,150
Installation and full automation of snowmaking system, that now covers 63 hectares of the snow riding area (the largest and most efficient snowmaking system in the Southern Hemisphere)
An increased lifting capacity from 10,136 people per hour to 18,000
The development of the Friday Flat beginner's area. This includes purpose built beginners terrain and friendly lifting system, restaurant, coach captains facilities, a media centre, retail and rental facilities, and Thredboland children's snow sports school
Development of cutting edge snow sports programs for children, adults and those after the ultimate rush
The building of the altitude training facility - the AIS accredited Thredbo Leisure Centre
An addition to the activities on offer with the building of the Thredbo Bobsled
The development of a respected and impressive summer events calendar
Development of a successful integrated booking arm - the Thredbo Resort Centre
The building of a central hub of retail activity - the Village Square
The construction of the community centre, chapel and ski patrol lodge
The Road Collapse Of '97
The road above the village, the Alpine Way, had been built as a temporary service road during the 1950′s to access Murray 1 and 2 power stations. Once the power stations were completed, the Snowy Mountains Authority upgraded the road with fill and planted vegetation on the downhill hillside. Maintenance of the road was then transferred to the State Park, now Kosciuszko National Park.
On the Night of 30 July 1997 the Alpine Way collapsed under pressure from heavy rain, melting snow and transported weathered material. Carinya Lodge was pushed by the road collapse into the lodge below and both it and Bimbadeen Staff Lodge were completely destroyed. The collapse occurred late at night when most residents were in bed.
2000 square metres of liquefied soil with a water flow of 1.7 litres per second took barely a few seconds to move 250 metres. Carinya moved downhill so rapidly that it crossed the road that separated it from Bimbadeen, causing a total collapse of both buildings.
In the aftermath the area was unstable with an underground stream flowing through the remains of the two lodges. Rescuers were hampered by the possible collapse of flattened walls and concrete floorings. Eighteen people perished in the collapse and one, Stuart Diver, was pulled out alive after three days buried beneath interleaved concrete slabs, liquefied soil and chilling water.
The resultant emergency rescue effort brought volunteers and specialists together from all over Australia. They worked night and day to clear the debris from the two lodges and to prevent further mishap. The State Emergency Service rotated 1350 crew with about 250 on the site at any one time.
In the aftermath all aspects of the physical geography of the site were examined by engineers, geologists, civil contractors, technical experts such as the geomophologists, climatologists, geotechnical advisors and landscaping specialists.
By February 1998 Stage One reconstruction had begun with a fully retained cut and fill embankment. The Alpine Way itself was closed early in the year and a 15m wall built at the back of the site including extensive gabion work and drainage. Three terraces with gabions and reinforced fill were constructed on the site. This was completed by June 1998.
In October 1998 Stage Two began with the reconstruction of 600 metres of the Alpine Way and the building of upslope retaining walls. At the site a Contemplation Platform was built and the area landscaped.
The site plus 900 metres of the Alpine Way is now monitored for runoff with 25 inclinometers, which detect any down slope movement, and 12 piezometers, which keep track of water fluidity and the water table in general.
In short the following engineering work has been carried out:
1100 metres of retaining walls
50,000 metres sq. of soil and weathered rock excavation
Compaction of 30,000 m sq. of selected fill
50,000 metres sq. of terramesh reinforcing
11,000 gabions or rock filled steel baskets constructed
3 kms of drilled horizontal drains
Finance has come largely via the State and Federal Governments plus the Road and Traffic Authority.
A coroner's inquest was conducted into the events surrounding the road collapse. The inquest found that:' The causes of the tragic deaths, which occurred as a result of that landslide, are complex. '
The Coroner concluded that at the time of the road collapse, no individual government authority had responsibility for the maintenance of the Alpine Way. The fill embankment was in a marginally stable state at the time due in the main to it having been originally built as a construction access road by the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority, not the public road that it subsequently became.
Funding constraints on the National Parks and Wildlife Service limited what could be done to maintain roads operationally. The NPWS had been "inheriting roads not designed for the purpose to which they were later put'.
Responsibility for the Alpine Way and the Kosciuszko Road into Perisher Blue has subsequently been handed over to the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA).
Reference: http://www.thredbo.com.au/village-life/about-thredbo/history/
Aboriginal History
The Aborigines made their way to Australia around 50, 000 years ago, entering through Cape York Peninsula. Back then the Kosciuszko Plateau was the ultimate winter playground, set deep within the ice age. Life was scarce due to the big freeze, but as the earth gradually warmed the Snowy Mountains blossomed. It is believed that Aborigines saw this potential and took up permanent residence on the Monaro between 5,000 to 10,000 years ago.
The Aborigines that moved to the base of the mountains formed four major tribal groups: the YA-itmathang, the Wolgal, the Waradgery and the Ngarigo. The upper slopes were regarded as no-mans land, held in trust for the tribes and because of the winter chill remained uninhabited. The changing of seasons brought on a new lease of life for the Aborigines. In spring the peaks became the perfect meeting place where thousands would gather for ceremonies, share in the wonder of the alpine environment and hold the annual feasting on the Bogong moth, which was considered a delicious delicacy.
These moths (Agrotis infusa) breed on the plains between Queensland to Victoria and migrate to the Alps in spring to escape the heatwave and chill-out in the rocky crevices. The Bogong moth was a crucial part of the Aborigines diet. After a long winter of fasting the moth was seen as the ideal meal, rich in proteins and containing 50-75% fat.
The Village
Thredbo Village, set within the 690,000 hectares of the Kosciuszko National Park, is one of Australia's highest alpine towns. It is perched among the some of Australia's highest mountains between 1365 to 1930 metres above sea level. (Cabramurra is Australia's highest town).
The Thredbo area was originally used by graziers, when, in 1955, a Czechoslovakian with great vision saw the potential for an all year mountain resort. Tony Sponar was working as a Hydrographer for the Snowy Mountains Authority and was captivated by the snow capped peaks and saw great prospects for a ski hill. Sponar had been a ski instructor at the renowned St Anton Resort, Austria from 1941 to 1948. He saw Thredbo developing as an Australian equivalent, with good vertical terrain and an electric atmosphere to match.
In May 1955, the Kosciusko Chairlift and Thredbo Hotel Syndicate was formed. The directors Tony Sponar, Charles Anton, Eric Nicholls and Geoffrey Hughes attained a lease from the state government with a year round resort in mind.
In the winter of 1955 a study of snowfall and weather patterns was carried out, and by the year's end it was decided that Friday Flat/Crackenback Peak was the best place to kick off Thredbo's snow riding sanctuary. A line was cleared and surveyed for the proposed chairlift on Crackenback Peak and in October Sydney businessman Andrew Thyne Reid joined the syndicate.
In January 1957 the good news came. The State Park Trust gave the syndicate an option for a lease, and in the summer of 1956-57 work began on a chairlift and basic accommodation.
The man with the vision, Tony Sponar, was the first area manager. In 1957 he was handed the task of building a road from the Alpine Way to the present site of the Thredbo Alpine Hotel on a budget of just 4000 pounds. To make things even tougher he had a budget of 1000 pounds to build a lodge.
In May 1957 the syndicate was given a new name, Kosciuszko Thredbo Limited, and with the new name came a fresh change. Andrew Thyne Reid was named Chairman and thanks to his experience with James Hardie Asbestos, the money was raised to continue the development of Thredbo.
To obtain a 99 year lease the group had to build a ski lift and 100 bed hotel within five years. After three and a half years it was clear the group needed a partner with more financial strength and construction expertise. Thyne Reid negotiated with the bidders, McGrath Coach Houses and Lend Lease.
In 1961, Lend Lease acquired the lease and up until 1987 developed Thredbo into the most unique alpine resort in Australia.
In January 1987, Amalgamated Holdings Limited, known to most as the Greater Union Organisation, purchased the lease and since then Thredbo has charged into the 21st century. During the summer of 1987/88 over $30 million was invested, installing the largest snowmaking facility in the southern hemisphere along with two state of the art detachable quad chairs. These moves not only ensure great snow when Mother Nature takes a break, but provide comfortable and fast access to explore the mountain and great outdoors.
Since purchasing the head lease from the Lend Lease Corporation in 1987, Amalgamated Holdings Limited has invested over $130 million into developing and improving village infrastructure and facilities. This, along with community building and development, has seen the following achievements over the decade:
An increase in the bed base in the village from 3,000 to 4,150
Installation and full automation of snowmaking system, that now covers 63 hectares of the snow riding area (the largest and most efficient snowmaking system in the Southern Hemisphere)
An increased lifting capacity from 10,136 people per hour to 18,000
The development of the Friday Flat beginner's area. This includes purpose built beginners terrain and friendly lifting system, restaurant, coach captains facilities, a media centre, retail and rental facilities, and Thredboland children's snow sports school
Development of cutting edge snow sports programs for children, adults and those after the ultimate rush
The building of the altitude training facility - the AIS accredited Thredbo Leisure Centre
An addition to the activities on offer with the building of the Thredbo Bobsled
The development of a respected and impressive summer events calendar
Development of a successful integrated booking arm - the Thredbo Resort Centre
The building of a central hub of retail activity - the Village Square
The construction of the community centre, chapel and ski patrol lodge
The Road Collapse Of '97
The road above the village, the Alpine Way, had been built as a temporary service road during the 1950′s to access Murray 1 and 2 power stations. Once the power stations were completed, the Snowy Mountains Authority upgraded the road with fill and planted vegetation on the downhill hillside. Maintenance of the road was then transferred to the State Park, now Kosciuszko National Park.
On the Night of 30 July 1997 the Alpine Way collapsed under pressure from heavy rain, melting snow and transported weathered material. Carinya Lodge was pushed by the road collapse into the lodge below and both it and Bimbadeen Staff Lodge were completely destroyed. The collapse occurred late at night when most residents were in bed.
2000 square metres of liquefied soil with a water flow of 1.7 litres per second took barely a few seconds to move 250 metres. Carinya moved downhill so rapidly that it crossed the road that separated it from Bimbadeen, causing a total collapse of both buildings.
In the aftermath the area was unstable with an underground stream flowing through the remains of the two lodges. Rescuers were hampered by the possible collapse of flattened walls and concrete floorings. Eighteen people perished in the collapse and one, Stuart Diver, was pulled out alive after three days buried beneath interleaved concrete slabs, liquefied soil and chilling water.
The resultant emergency rescue effort brought volunteers and specialists together from all over Australia. They worked night and day to clear the debris from the two lodges and to prevent further mishap. The State Emergency Service rotated 1350 crew with about 250 on the site at any one time.
In the aftermath all aspects of the physical geography of the site were examined by engineers, geologists, civil contractors, technical experts such as the geomophologists, climatologists, geotechnical advisors and landscaping specialists.
By February 1998 Stage One reconstruction had begun with a fully retained cut and fill embankment. The Alpine Way itself was closed early in the year and a 15m wall built at the back of the site including extensive gabion work and drainage. Three terraces with gabions and reinforced fill were constructed on the site. This was completed by June 1998.
In October 1998 Stage Two began with the reconstruction of 600 metres of the Alpine Way and the building of upslope retaining walls. At the site a Contemplation Platform was built and the area landscaped.
The site plus 900 metres of the Alpine Way is now monitored for runoff with 25 inclinometers, which detect any down slope movement, and 12 piezometers, which keep track of water fluidity and the water table in general.
In short the following engineering work has been carried out:
1100 metres of retaining walls
50,000 metres sq. of soil and weathered rock excavation
Compaction of 30,000 m sq. of selected fill
50,000 metres sq. of terramesh reinforcing
11,000 gabions or rock filled steel baskets constructed
3 kms of drilled horizontal drains
Finance has come largely via the State and Federal Governments plus the Road and Traffic Authority.
A coroner's inquest was conducted into the events surrounding the road collapse. The inquest found that:' The causes of the tragic deaths, which occurred as a result of that landslide, are complex. '
The Coroner concluded that at the time of the road collapse, no individual government authority had responsibility for the maintenance of the Alpine Way. The fill embankment was in a marginally stable state at the time due in the main to it having been originally built as a construction access road by the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority, not the public road that it subsequently became.
Funding constraints on the National Parks and Wildlife Service limited what could be done to maintain roads operationally. The NPWS had been "inheriting roads not designed for the purpose to which they were later put'.
Responsibility for the Alpine Way and the Kosciuszko Road into Perisher Blue has subsequently been handed over to the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA).
Reference: http://www.thredbo.com.au/village-life/about-thredbo/history/