Hey Gang - first time poster, long time reader.
hoping to get some perspective from some of the vets on a trip I have planned for this week.
I have reservations for a place at Snowshoe(expedition) from Tuesday through sunday. Luckily, a business colleague is allowing me to use the place at no cost as he'd rather not rent it out over NYE, so that's not a concern. However, my better half's little brother (a Med student) is joining us, and given his school schedule - we can't reschedule.
Seeing as how Snowshoe(per their facebook yesterday) is closing up after Sunday(at the latest), and snowmaking temperatures won't be returning until midweek, what would everyone guess the likely scenario is for them opening back up? I'm worried it won't be until Saturday or Sunday, but admittedly - I know nothing.
You can expect about 48+/- hours of snowmaking to reopen. If they are able to start blowing Wednesday night Friday would be the earliest althought to be safe I would expect Saturday am to reopen.
Assuming the temps are only snowmaking-suitable at night, would you think then it'd be longer?
They will have some of a base still. based on current forecast they should be able to make snow Thursday/Friday night. My guess is they have some limited runs open on Saturday.
Assuming forecast stays we will plan on going to the shoe on either Thursday or Friday with hopes on having both sat/sun open.
32 and heavy snow at Snowshoe currently.
Snow baby snow! Moved my reservations back to wed-mon in hopes of getting 3 days.
sleet last night. temp got as low as 32 and then bounced back up again. still holding out hope for this weekend
Forecast is trending better toward snowmaking conditions starting Wed late afternoon/evening through the weekend.
Some commenters on facebook stated that they called and were told that they're not reopening until 1/7. Anyone else hear this? That would be awful....
I doubt SS would wait that late given the late week temps.
Facebook says reopening Saturday for the season and are going to work to expand terrain as fast as possible.
Not snowing yet. My temp reads 44. I expect it will be early morning for a short period.
Was doing the same thing last night when I posted...whatever it is is blowing upwards. The NWS report at that time was heavy snow.
I'm here now - at expedition and I can report - absolutely not snowing or making snow. What you're seeing is actually just fog and/or mist blowing in a heavy wind.
All I see on the cams is mostly green grass but they claim they will re-open Sat. (?!?)
Cos35...what does it look like in person?
I'm on the western side. Its 37 and mixed sun/clouds.
Not pretty. But the guns are waiting to be actually started. I can hear the fans blowing outside the window.
Snowshoe web cam show the older tripod type guns blowing snow but the newer fan guns are not on. Are there different environmental conditions needed to operate the different type of snow guns? Temps are about 29-30 degrees at this time.
The Colonel
on the road now - should hit the shoe by 9. weather was colder today than expected so pleased to see they got the guns going already.
The Colonel wrote:
Snowshoe web cam show the older tripod type guns blowing snow but the newer fan guns are not on. Are there different environmental conditions needed to operate the different type of snow guns? Temps are about 29-30 degrees at this time.
The Colonel
Pretty sure there are different factors to consider between the different types fan guns and other types. I spent a little time reading up about snowmaking in the fall. SMI is one of the big makers of snowmaking equipment. SMI is a family business based in Midland, MI. Has a good overview on their website.
I put the most interesting videos and links I found in this thread:
http://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/would-you-want-to-be-a-snowmaker.19745/
SMI Snow Making Overview
http://www.snowmakers.com/snowmaking-basic.html
Under Snow Gun Types:
There are generally two primary snowmaking snowgun technologies commercially purchased today ”“ fan and stick/lance. The concept of using nucleation to help freeze the majority water spray still applies to both technologies.
Fan snowguns use propeller driven ducted fans to help throw the snow and provide hang time for mixing and freezing. Fans are known for long snow projection and throw, high capacity in all weather conditions, low wind sensitivity and overall performance. Fans can be portable or fixed position on towers and swing arms. Stick/lance snowguns are generally tower mounted with either 6 meter or 9 meter mast heights. This extra height allows some hang time via gravity. These snowguns have limited throw and are very sensitive to the wind.
