More Snow!

More Snow!  After the driest and one of the warmest Marchs I can find on record we are starting to get back on track with moisture this month.  We only received .5” of moisture in 5” of snow, while the average high for this March was 46 also one of the warmest Marchs I can find.  I know everyone was excited to play golf in Vail in April but like it or not this snow is very much needed for the course now and going into the summer.  http://www.erwsd.org/files/snow/SnowWaterApr16_2012.pdf is the latest snow water equivalent graph which is very important for future water use and the heath of the course and all living in the Vail Valley

Spring Clearing

 

Thursday I began clearing greens.  We are a little behind due to being short handed on staff but with the good weather we had last week I had to get out and see what was happening under the snow.  So, Kirk has picked up a couple of grooming shifts for me and I’ve been working on clearing greens.  This is the first time I’ve appreciated the lack of powder days this year.  So far I’ve been able to clear 2 and 3 completely and they look great.  I was able to get 6 and 7 blown off but not completely shoveled.  Seven looks good and I should be able to get it cleared by the end of the day Wednesday.  Six on the other hand is going to be more work, as usual.  It had several inches of water standing on it along with some ice.  Luckily we have good weather through at least Friday and have plenty of time to get it dried out.  Overall clearing greens has gone well and they look pretty healthy.  This weekend I’ll get some help as an intern will be joining us early to help get things ready this spring. 

Winter Teva Games

The first Winter Teva Games are here!  We are all familiar with the fun and excitement that Teva brings to town every spring.  Now they have stepped into the winter.   There are competitions for all skill levels and activities.  The Vail Nordic Center is the site of the 5K and 10K Freestyle Nordic races.  There will be almost 100 racers of all skill levels battling it out for Teva gold.  Over the past two weeks Tony, Kirk and I have spent extra time widening the track and keeping it in top condition to accommodate all the racers that will take to the track on Friday.  With the lack of snow this season it has taken extra time and effort to keep the conditions top notch.  We have spent hours shoveling and plowing snow on to the track to keep it skiable.  I’ll be competing in the ski mountaineering, citizens comp, of course.   If you are not entered in any competitions you should at least be sure to check out some of the activities, I’m sure it will be fun for spectators and athletes alike.