Michael Bowman, 57, who police described as an "experienced bushwalker" failed to return to the Lake St Clair visitor centre on Saturday.

He intended to walk to the Mount Cuvier region before returning.

Mr Bowman was carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) but it had not been activated.

He is described as about 180 centimetres tall, medium build, carrying a grey pack and wearing a red/orange jacket and dark coloured pants. He is also using a yellow/mustard coloured tent.

Crews started the search operation at first light on Monday, including use of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Snow fell to 500 metres throughout the weekend, and rose to 1500 metres on Monday.

Gusty conditions are also expected to continue across Tasmania's high country.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for parts of the Midlands, Central Plateau and Central North districts for damaging winds.

The warning states winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 100 km/h are possible over the central north, with the main warnings for Sheffield and Deloraine.

Anyone with information about the location of Mr Bowman can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au