Water Tanks and Snow in Australia
Australia, perhaps fairly, has a reputation both locally and internationally as a particularly arid nation. However as one of the largest nations on the planet, spanning from tropical conditions to some of the closest points to Antarctica, Australia is home to a wide range of climate regions and differing biomes.
What might surprise even the most well read Australians, is that the Australian Alps receive more snow annually than the Swiss Alps. This is helped of course by the sheer size of the Australian Alps, and that when compared to the whole of the continent they take up very little of the surface area.
Many of these alpine and semi alpine regions are just north of Traralgon, through the Yarra Ranges.
This does mean though, that many Australians battle snowy and frosty conditions, some of whom receive regular snow falls each winter and need a rainwater tank that can stand up to the stress of snow load.
Map of the alpine and sub-alpine regions of Australia
Factors that determine snow loading calculations
There are many factors that determine the particular snow loading requirements of a particular location, and you would have to determine many of these before determining if you are able to install a water tank on your property.
Each property's particular micro-climate, including things such as the altitude, annual snowfall and days of successive snowfall would help determine the overall snow load.
Snow Loading factors:
Does the snow arise from a single fall, or build up from successive falls?
If the snow falls in one, or few falls, typically this means there is less density to the snow, and as such lesser snow loading.
If the snow arises from several falls, this results in icing, and thicker or deeper snow, which means a higher snow load on the roof.
Is the water tank location above the Alpine region line?
On the mainland, an alpine region is anywhere more than 1200m above sea level, in Tasmania it is anywhere more than 900m above sea level. If the site is above these levels, our tank roofs are not suitable for the snow loads that can be imposed.
What is the classification of the terrain the rainwater tank will be installed on?
Whether the site for the water tank is exposed or shielded, on a ridge, valley or hillside - and if so which way the slope faces - will all have a bearing on the overall snow loading and eligibility of the site for a water tank.
What Determines an Alpine region?
As stated above, on the mainland, an alpine region is anywhere more than 1200m above sea level, in Tasmania it is anywhere more than 900m above sea level.
Anywhere above these levels, a Pioneer Water Tank will not be suitable for the snow loading that the water tank roof would be subjected to.
How it works
In order to determine suitability for snow loading, you must be able to establish that:
- Snow density is 1/12 that of water or less
- Snow falls are single falls and do not accumulate
- Snow falls do not exceed 400mm
- The site is below the alpine region
Outside of town limits, assessment should still be done before confirming snow density. Snow loading calculation and independent homework must be done before determining suitability.
If your site fits these criteria and you're ready to get a quote for your new tank, or if you have more questions regarding snow loading, give us a call on 1800 490 488.