A steady stream of mud-covered 4WDs paraded into Gloucester just after midday on Sunday, August 23, after the Hunter Valley Police District made the call to close Barrington Forest Road due to dangerous conditions.
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After the Bureau of Meteorology predicted snow showers on the Barrington Tops across the weekend, many day-trippers set off for a chance to see the snow.
According to the Hunter Valley Police, Saturday's traffic resulted in the deterioration of the gravel road. That, coupled with low overnight temperatures, made way for the formation of black ice, which can be particularly dangerous for motorists as it's not visible on the road surface and is incredibly slippery.
"As a result in consultation with National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Barrington Forest Road is closed between Moonan Flat and Gloucester," Hunter Valley Police District posted on its Facebook page on Sunday morning.
Prior to the road closure, the police had made several trips to the tops to assist people who had been stuck in the icy conditions. It happened not only this weekend but over the past two weekends as well.
"Please stay away from the area or consider visiting more accessible snow locations such as Gloucester Tops or Nundle which can be accessed on sealed roads," the police posted.
Crystal Jenner was one of the many travellers into the area over the weekend. She travelled up from the Maitland area and camped overnight from Friday to Saturday, leaving around midday.
She made a snowman at the Polblue campground which she said proved to be a very popular photo spot for passersby.
"Lots of snow up at the tops, road are little chopped up. Very packed up there, with lots of cars still heading up," Crystal posted on the Barrington Snow Tops Snow Chasers Facebook page after her return.
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