Wind and walking

[Natdk]

Today wind speeds are predicted between 30 and 40km/hr. Is this suitable for bushwalking in National Park? Not at altitude, just concerned about falling branches. Thanks

[Rlgm12]

You'll be right

[MickyB]

Welcome to the forum Natdk.

There is always a risk of falling trees/branches, even on still days. The risk does increase with windier conditions. Predicted winds of 30-40 kms/hr wouldn't stop me going though.

[awildland]

Yeah I agree with MickyB. Wouldn't stop us. Just be a little more alert! Look up often. We had a walk in the Budawangs last year with recorded wind gusts of 90km an hour. Amazingly we never saw a single tree blown over or a branch come down. The noise level can be overwhelming!

[johnk1]

You'll be right. Get out there

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

I read the title and thought this was going to be about something a little different

[neilmny]

I read the title and thought this was going to be about something a little different

Yes I had the same thought, probably more danger in that too

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

We're obviously two of the more immature forum members!

Windy conditions when walking can really reduce enjoyment. Can make it hot and dry, and sunglasses become essential to avoid getting stuff in your eyes.

[Natdk]

Thanks to all for your replies. As it turns out the BOM was rather pessimistic with the forecast. In fact it was a really pleasant day with no noticeable wind atmospheric (or otherwise

[wayno]

its like the lottery, chances of getting hit are pretty slim. i've been out in 150km hr winds, have to climb over fallen trees but bnever come close to being hit by one, but i wouldnt want to camp near big trees in those winds

[Son of a Beach]

Although trees are more likely to be uprooted and fall during wind (particularly if the soil is saturated), Eucalypts seem to be more likely to drop large branches after the wind stops. I've no idea why this is and I have no links scientific reports to back this up. It's just from my own observation on multiple occasions (including one near miss in my own front yard) and I've heard the same opinion from others.

I grew up with several large (200+ year old) gum trees around my home. They never dropped branches during storms, but frequently dropped large branches within a few days after the storm stopped.

Some people reckon that gum trees drop branches during dry times in order to reduce the amount of water they need to use.

[onward]

The propensity to drop limbs during calm periods is called sudden branch drop (and sometimes summer branch drop), it is generally associated with eucalypts in Australia, but is common in a wide range of species overseas (I would guess based on the commonality of the species, and gums are very common in Aus!!!). There are quite a few theories as to the reason, but no real scientific data. Calm days, after a dry spell and often the most horizontal branch is the typical scenario. Particular trees seem to do it more frequently. Look up, if the tree has dropped previous larger branches, and has longer horizontal branches don't put a tent under it! Wind typically causes failures in branches with identifiable defects (e.g., decay)

[GPSGuided]

30-40km/h is only moderate. The roads around us get covered by fallen branches only after an 80+km/h day. Typically clean after a 40 day apart from some extra leaves. So not a concern but for pot luck.

[sim1oz]

We did the first part of the walk to Mt Kosciusko when the wind was 60km/hr and our kids were not happy. We didn't have to worry about trees falling at that altitude, but the wind kept getting stronger and our kids dug their heels in and we had to turn back when the wind was about 120km/hr. I guess there is both safety and enjoyment to consider.

Natdk, glad your walk turned out well!