Since the weather is getting warmer, snow comes later and leaves earlier with higher mean temperatures. At the turn of the century, ice was one of the major industries in Truckee. Ice was cut from Boca Reservoir at Donner Lake and sent to San Francisco by train to cool the refreshments of the newly flush population in the city by the bay. In the next 20 years, refrigeration and transportation reduced the viability of the ice business and it faded into history along with Boca Beer, OB’s Board and a host of other historic good ideas.
While Boca still freezes over every year, Donner Lake seldom has ice. This, more than any other condition, signals that our climate is warming. Significant snow, such as that experienced in Truckee, that supported the Winter Carnival and ski jumping in town, is seldom seen today.
Snow for the ski resorts is no longer predictable and has caused the birth of snow blowing equipment. Northstar has 250 snow blowers doing several specialized jobs. It has, like so many other things, become high tech. Controlled by many sensors, it tells when to turn on the guns, where on the hill is optimum and the duration of the water flow.
There’s a problem vexing the operation, which turns out to be temperature inversion. This occurs when the cold night air begins to sink to the bottom at ground level and warm ground air begins to rise above. This leaves a moving layer that is too warm to create snow from the snow guns. This is where the sensors and programming comes into play. Northstar, with this equipment, has been able to operate from December 6th with adequate snow on several runs.
The snow making equipment can use up to 3 million gallons of water a night. While at first blush, one might think that this is a gross loss of water. The truth is that most of this water sinks back into the ground at winter’s end and is returning to its storage place in the Martis Valley aquifer, purified and filtered by its journey through the earth to be used again at a latter date. And, Truckee water from the Martis Valley Aquifer is the best tasting water you’ll ever experience. It just comes out of the tap.
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Are you getting sick of all the negative news like I am? I want you to read something today which puts a smile on your face, so let’s dig into one of my favorite topics . . . SPRING SKIING!!!
When the weather starts to warm up (and this year it started awfully early) a lot of people feel the desire to head for the ocean, pull out their golf clubs, get their boat out on the lake, or just do something which involves wearing shorts and flip flops. Those of us who are lucky enough to live in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area (yes, I’m lucky enough!!) know that this really signifies time to get out your light weight ski clothes and head for the slopes. Sure, nothing beats the powder days we experienced in late January and early February, but I think spring skiing comes in a close second.
The key to great spring skiing is paying attention to the night time temperatures and the wind (the NOAA forecast gives you everything you need). If night time temps are barely reaching freezing, it’s best to get out on the mountain early (Alpine Meadows will start turning Summit Six as early as 8am when we get deep into spring). However, if the temps are getting down into the 20’s at night, or the wind is blowing over the ridges, you can sleep in a little and show up at the mountain at 10:30 or so.
If you’re timing is right, you’ll get there just as the snow starts to soften. You’ll want to start on the southeast and south facing slopes which have been absorbing the early morning sunshine. One of the best examples is the Mecca of spring skiing, High Traverse at Alpine Meadows (just call it “high T” if you want to sound like a local). Other great options are Sugar Bowl’s Disney Chair and numerous places at Squaw including skiing off the southeast side of Palisades to Sun Spot (my favorite) and Granite Chief Chair. These runs will treat you to some of the sweetest and smoothest skiing you’ve ever had. Your edges will dig in effortlessly and your skis will bend and carve heroically. As these runs start to turn from corn to slush, you’ll want to follow the sun to different exposures. Keep doing this until the temperature is high enough to soften the north facing slopes which will remain glorious longer than your legs will.
The highlights of spring skiing are numerous. Within just a couple hours you can get in more runs than you can imagine (no crowds! no lift lines!). When you’re done skiing, normally by noon or one if you’re like me, you don’t have to head to your car and sit in traffic. Instead, head to the lodge and peel off some layers and kick back in the sunshine on the deck. If you pick your days well it will be warm enough to wear the ultimate after ski boots . . . flip flops!!! Every ski area has local bands rocking, and ice cold beer pouring. There’s no better way to relax your muscles after your day on the slopes.
The moral of the story is . . . don’t put away your ski gear yet!!! Get out there and enjoy!
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008 By: The Schaller Family
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