Snowmaking on Ramrod continues to go nicely. Running our snowmaking system requires closely tracking the North Fork of the Snake River stream flows. We are required to maintain stream flows that do not harm aquatic life. Since we installed snowmaking in 2002, we have hired a research team to monitor stream conditions and fish populations. In doing so, they have done the same monitoring in Deer Creek (a few miles from here) to use as a reference stream. We are happy to say there have been no measured negative impacts to stream health or the fish populations due to snowmaking.
What that means, however, is that we have very strict restrictions on diverting water. Right now we divert a small amount of water 24 hours a day into our reservoir. In the evenings when it is coldest, we empty the reservoir making snow. Our snowmaking pumps water uphill at a much higher rate than we divert. That is why we are not making during the day right now.
Upper Ramrod
Lower Ramrod
