The main part of the front/storm is past us and we got about 3" from it. Not much, but it's good wet snow for making base. The thing that I'm really watching, is whats going to happen starting Thursday. We could be talking feet, not inches for snow totals.
Today's Video..............
Hi Steve. How do they get water to the snow guns? Is it a high pressure system. What keeps it from freezing solid in extreme cold?
ReplyDeleteThey get the water from Gray Lake at the base of the mountain, which you see on the PTZ camera. The pumps and air compressors for the system are in a building next to the chair lift building. There are two pipes, one is used to pump the water up the mountain and the other is for the compressed air. The compressed air breaks the water into tiny droplets which then freeze to make the snow. When they shut the system down, the water drains back into Gray Lake. When we have below zero temps, they watch very closely, as the water can freeze in the pipes. But with below zero temps, they can make snow that much faster, so in turn, move the water that much faster so it doesn't freeze in the pipe, it's all balancing act.
DeleteThank you steve for the detailed explanation. I'm a landlord and have been working on a 2 pipe hot water boiler system for a commercial building. Pumps, circulators and air vents with pipes that go up 16' and across 50' of ceiling to blowers for heat. After tweeking the system, it's all good. I'm sure you can relate. That's an impressive system that operates the snow guns. Good thing they had gray lake! It's cool to actually undestand how that one works.
DeleteTalking feet not inches? explain?
ReplyDeleteDepending on which forecast you look at, we could be seeing big time lake effect by the end of the week. The great lakes are very warm, so all they need is cold air blowing over them to make snow. Who will see it? All deends on which way the wind is blowing.
DeleteYeah I've been following this development...could be a big dump somewhere !!!...I hope it dumps big so Dave can't ride his jet ski across 4th lake...LOL
ReplyDeleteWE HAVEN'T FROM DAVE SO NOBODY KNOWS WHAT TO DOO.
ReplyDeleteHey! Stop picking on my friend Dave.
Deleteeveryone be ready! Big storm coming in!! Start planning for the weekend. It will be a happy new year for every one.
ReplyDeleteso dave are you saying we are about to get 6 feet and 10 below this weekend ? BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE NEED. YOU HAVE TO BE JOKING HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deletepeople need to stay off the little bit of snow and wait for good base . don't know why they open trails with no snow
ReplyDeleteSteve people post things about us city people that we come up to old forge and have no respect for the trail system. Please tell me Y I saw 4-5 sleds yesterday and they were all locals ripping 3/4 inches of snow.. They should no better no??
DeleteWho said anything about city people? Not seeing that in any posts here....
DeleteMust feel guilty about something? Maybe he is one of those people?
DeleteSteve you are like a science teacher on this post!! Happy New year to all! Let's ride into 2016! Trails are open for one reason.. TO RIDE THEM!
ReplyDeleteThat is true, they are open. People pay the fee and want to ride. Consideration for others is not a priority. Why leave the trails alone so that a base can be established. First come, first serve. Hurray me and blank you. I love it when there finally is enough snow and idiots make big spin out trenches on hills and burn the snow off a corners down to the dirt. At least let the ground freeze up! LOL!!!
DeletePlay nice boys and girls!
ReplyDeletesorry steve...
ReplyDeleteEveryone is frustrated that they can't get out and ride when the weather is like this. So things can and have gotten out of control on here very fast in the past. So I figured I'd remind everyone to play nice. Thanks for the apology!
DeleteYes I am from Staten Island .. Guilty of nothing..renting a house on 4th lake 10 years and I bought 5 trail permits and bought 3 new sleds from Smiths.. I am here now I could of went ripping it up and not caring about the trail system but NO I try to do the best thing... Just could of waited for more snow. Just saying .. So most of us from down south are very nice people and caring.. So please don't wright bad things about us when the locals are not caring.. Be safe
ReplyDeleteAnonymous's!
ReplyDeleteYour right we will cancel coming to town this weekend and spend the much needed income at other locations... Please feel free to post when I can ride MY sled so I do not ruin the trail system. Please also post a map on where you do not want to see any tracks, we will make sure you get first tracks to all your favorite spots. Heck I don't mind walking the trails in flip flops and post signs " anonymous trail only" this way you have the rights.
Great response chuck, couldn't have said it better!
DeleteI've been coming up here since 1975.
DeleteI remember reading on one of the maps-
"Riding the trails is a privilage, not a right". Maybe that's something we all need to consider. A minimal amount of common sense is expected and appreciated. Especially from experienced riders. Thank you men!
well said trail king. some of these post show very inconsiderate and immature mind set . like your one weekend of spending a few dollars will make or brake everyone . ruin the base and it will hurt more . Vermont does it right the open trails when there is enough snow .
DeleteWhy all the stress?
ReplyDeleteIf we ride we ride
If we don't it's not gonna change my life
And I've been riding since 1972
wow...box of tools are Yee...stay off the trails for your own good and the good of all of us please...
ReplyDeleteWe might not see 6 feet and 10 below but we might see 3 feet and 5 below.
ReplyDeleteWe should all b hitting the trails this weekend .. I didn't say stay home ..
ReplyDeleteI say let them Ride!
ReplyDeleteWith any luck they'll tear up their sleds suspension, belt, carbides, and what ever else. When the good stuff hits maybe they won't be out there to bother anyone.