In this age of sophisticated snowmaking systems, area operators often forget that large quantities of snow are lost due to poor trail design as well as ignorance about how and where to catch snow. While it seems that this should be of prime concern to resort owners, not many methods of snow control have been able adequately to predict the snow patterns in relation to the overall resort complex, let alone individual trails.
A new snow simulator now promises to help solve these problems of snow control quickly and easily. Developed by Professor Franklyn Theakston over 13 years of research at the University of Guelph, Ontario, the snow simulating device is now in use at the laboratory of the consulting engingering firm of Morrison, Hershfield, Theakston and Rowan Limited, also in Guelph.
Using an open channel water flume to simulate the actual slope conditions, snow patterns and movement can be observed faster, easier and more accurately than in the natural environment. The flowing water simulates the wind (water and air have similar fluid characteristics), while the snow is simulated by white silica sand. The water-borne sand is allowed to flow over models of ski areas and its scouring and drifting patterns are the same as these found in field conditions.
The model of a ski area under study, with details of surrounding topography, can be rotated within the flume to record snow behavior and problem areas from all wind directions. It is also possible to investigate the effectiveness of various remedial measures and to select the most useful ones. Variations in the location of parking lots, buildings, snow barriers and even trail design can be introduced on the model to test for snow control and management.
In addition, the snowmaking system can be evaluated to get the maximum benefits from snow barriers and storage areas as well as to enable trails to be designed for the most effective use of grade, sun and wind. The simulator can also help to determine weak snow production areas, which when combined with an on-slope metering system, can improve efficiency in the use of the snowmaking system and personnel.
Theoretically the snow simulator sounds terrific, but how about actual ski area application? Horseshoe Valley Ski Resort in Barrie, Ontario, used the water flume to design a variety of snow control measures on some older trails and the result has been much improved artificial snow conditions. Furthermore, slopes which were designed on the basis of flume tests consistently had natural snow conditions almost as good as the snow on the older slopes serviced by snowmaking.
The results indicate that even in the most dismal weather conditions ski areas like Horseshoe Valley can successfully preserve and control snow if the proper steps are taken. Learning these proper steps can now be reduced from long-term trial and error to precise definition.
