So Close...
The days leading into Halloween and the first few of November were surprisingly chilly here at Snowriver. Our snowmaking crews used this opportunity to put our systems to the test and they ended up being remarkably productive. With relative humidity measuring in at about 40% we were able to start making snow at 34 degrees Fahrenheit. This is very unusual given our proximity to Lake Superior which typically keeps our humidity levels at 90% or above.
In snowmaking, we utilize the wet-bulb temperature, a figure that incorporates the effect of evaporative cooling. Essentially, the dryer the air, the faster it is able to absorb water through evaporation. As the water evaporates it cools the air and allows the water molecules to freeze more quickly. The chart below, from HKD Snowmakers, shows the effect of humidity on snowmaking and what temperatures we need to efficiently produce quality snow.
We ran the guns at both resorts long enough to put a true load on the pumps, motors, pipes, and electrical services. Doing so helps us identify any issues so we can correct them before the cold temps set in for good and our efforts need to be focused on making as much snow as possible. Thankfully these tests didn't uncover any new issues, meaning our systems are ready to rock as soon as the temps allow.
While we enjoyed the quick blast of cool, dry air, Mother Nature has brought warmer, wetter air back into our area for the foreseeable future. As of 11/8, there aren't any substantial snowmaking opportunities in the 10-day forecast, which is about as far out as I bet on forecasts. This leaves us with less than a week to make snow before our tentative opening date on the 23rd, assuming the temperatures permit it. While not impossible, we'd need to see a major shift in temperatures that weekend prior to opening for us to hit our target. For now, while we continue praying for colder temps, our team will be focused on finishing up all of our off-season projects.
Chairs and Coms
While the warmer weather hasn't been ideal for snowmaking, it has allowed us to stay focused on the completion of the Voyageur Express. Over the past few weeks, the team has been buttoning up the terminals, making the electrical connections, and aligning the sheave wheels. This week's focus has been on pulling the communication lines down from the top terminal, across each of the towers, and down into the return station at the bottom. A mix of standard copper wiring and fiber optics (think spinal cord) are used to transmit signals to the lift's computer (brain), to allow it to monitor and respond to a host of different safety switches, sensors, and operator controls. This is the first step of the final stage of electrical work before the lift is ready to spin.
As the electricians from Ruotsala and Doppelmayr work together on the lift's communications, the Snowriver team has been busy assembling each of the 53 chairs for the lift. Arriving in August from Taiwan neatly nested and packed for shipment, there is some assembly required. Each chair gets outfitted with a cushy seat cushion, armrests, and a hanger attached. The back pad, restraint bar, and grip will be added as they're installed onto the lift. By the end of this week, we should be just about ready to do that.
Wrap it up!
The tentative opening date has our construction teams kicking it into high gear to wrap up their summer projects. Work is nearly completed on the Gabbro Grille renovations which include new carpet throughout, a relocated stage, a new ceiling, new lighting, and a fresh coat of paint. Down in the pool area, the crew is finishing up the new soffit and lighting, painting in the locker rooms, and cleaning up in preparation to paint the pool deck. It won't be long before the water starts to go in. Outside Jack's, Routsala has finished pouring, stamping, staining, and sealing the new patio. This space will be a great addition to Jack's and I look forward to enjoying a nice summer night here looking over the national forest as the sun sets.
See you soon!
With any luck it won't be long until you'll be here checking out all of our improvements for yourself. I can't wait for you all to experience the new Snowriver for the first time this season, it has been a truly transformational summer. Until then, pray for cold and pray for snow!
- Benjamin
