Ski Sundown Opening???

[Grassi21]

I heard it may not get as cold as was originally thought, might only be in the 20s with strong winds...

what are the magic numbers for snow making? low 20s for temp and how little humidity?

not complaining, just grumpy that i have to wait one more week....

 

[Greg]

what are the magic numbers for snow making? low 20s for temp and how little humidity?

not complaining, just grumpy that i have to wait one more week....

I think the desired wet bulb temp is 27 degrees which can be any variety of temp/dew point combinations.

 

[Grassi21]

I think the desired wet bulb temp is 27 degrees which can be any variety of temp/dew point combinations.

wet bulb, that's the term. i know humidity plays a big factor.

i feel like a little kid sitting home waiting for dad to come home so we can play catch.....

and by catch i mean lax not baseball or football.

 

[Greg]

wet bulb, that's the term. i know humidity plays a big factor.

It does. For example, the air temp could be over freezing, but if the air is dry enough (low dew point) you can make snow. So as long as the air temp is below 27, even with 100% humidity (dew point also 27), you can make good snow. Usually, if you have a forecast of temps in the low teens around here in December, the air is gonna be pretty dry. They're going to be able to make snow most nights for the foreseeable future and a few days as well.

 

[severine]

I think it's 28 degrees wet bulb. Otherwise, Greg has it.

 

[4aprice]

It does. For example, the air temp could be over freezing, but if the air is dry enough (low dew point) you can make snow. So as long as the air temp is below 27, even with 100% humidity (dew point also 27), you can make good snow. Usually, if you have a forecast of temps in the low teens around here in December, the air is gonna be pretty dry. They're going to be able to make snow most nights for the foreseeable future and a few days as well.

Greg's got it. I also understand its best to let the snowpack "drain" for a day or two before putting any machine on it. That may have played in their decision on opening day. The Sundown crew will be fine next week.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[Chris Sullivan]

So far this season we have made snow for 20 hours with a few hours hitting a low of 25 degrees. Although, some folks are forecasting teens for tonight and tomorrow night our forecaster says mid to low 20’s with high winds. Saturday night looks a little better but now it looks like we will be unable to make snow Sunday night and Monday night. There is also a possibility of some liquid precipitation early in the week as well.
We will make as much as we can over the weekend and leave it in piles. It looks like we can get going again Tuesday night.
Anyway, we will start making snow again in about 2-3 hours.
28 wet bulb is considered by most people to be the highest start up temp. it is not going to produce much snow. (paints the grass an off white color) We start up at that with the thought that the temperature will continue to drop.
This web site is an easy way to calculate wet bulb for snow-making purposes. http://www.the-snowman.com/wetbulb2.html

 

[severine]

I think it's 28 degrees wet bulb. Otherwise, Greg has it.

This is what had me thinking that:
http://forums.alpinezone.com/showpost.php?p=371518&postcount=4
http://forums.alpinezone.com/showpost.php?p=477412&postcount=37

ETA: And I see the man himself stepped in as I was posting that. Thanks, Chris! :beer:

 

[bvibert]

So far this season we have made snow for 20 hours with a few hours hitting a low of 25 degrees. Although, some folks are forecasting teens for tonight and tomorrow night our forecaster says mid to low 20’s with high winds. Saturday night looks a little better but now it looks like we will be unable to make snow Sunday night and Monday night. There is also a possibility of some liquid precipitation early in the week as well.
We will make as much as we can over the weekend and leave it in piles. It looks like we can get going again Tuesday night.
Anyway, we will start making snow again in about 2-3 hours.
28 wet bulb is considered by most people to be the highest start up temp. it is not going to produce much snow. (paints the grass an off white color) We start up at that with the thought that the temperature will continue to drop.
This web site is an easy way to calculate wet bulb for snow-making purposes. http://www.the-snowman.com/wetbulb2.html

Thanks for the explanation Chris.

I've been using this chart to try to figure snow could be made:
http://www.backyardblizzard.com/guide.htm

According to that you want a wet bulb of below 23 to be putting out good snow...

 

[jarrodski]

its going well despite the wind. crazy wind. stupid wind....

 

[bvibert]

its going well despite the wind. crazy wind. stupid wind....

NICE! Those pics made my day!

 

[Madroch]

As sundown seems to rarely make snow on open trails while in use (exception temptor sometimes starting about 9:00 pm midweek), think maybe they are holding off on opening to make the most of the cold snap-- which will be short lived?

 

[2knees]

As sundown seems to rarely make snow on open trails while in use (exception temptor sometimes starting about 9:00 pm midweek), think maybe they are holding off on opening to make the most of the cold snap-- which will be short lived?

cold comes back with a vengence after tuesday. check the forecast. should be good to go again after tuesday.

 

[bvibert]

Looks like we will have some really good coverage for the opening next week!

 

[gmcunni]

Looks like we will have some really good coverage for the opening next week!

don't tease... they opening this weekend?

 

[bvibert]

don't tease... they opening this weekend?

No tease, wish I was. Last word was no opening until sometime at the end of next week...

 

[o3jeff]

Probably going to head over there shortly to pick up my season pass and check out the snow making.

Maybe I will throw my ski gear in the car and poach a run or two:grin:

 

[severine]

Probably going to head over there shortly to pick up my season pass and check out the snow making.

Maybe I will throw my ski gear in the car and poach a run or two:grin:

Say hi to Brian. He's helping out today while they do instructor try-outs, or whatever it is.

 

[MrMagic]

Probably going to head over there shortly to pick up my season pass and check out the snow making.

Maybe I will throw my ski gear in the car and poach a run or two:grin:

jeff dont be tricked by the lift spinning and people skiing down little joe, we are doing training today and tomarrow, you might be able to blend in as a " new ski teacher" as try-outs are this weekend i wont say anything:grin:

 

[o3jeff]

Say hi to Brian. He's helping out today while they do instructor try-outs, or whatever it is.

Did you send him in with cookies?