Here are a few more thoughts on the three types of snowfences. In general, fences work better above timberline. The ideal fence is on or near a ridge crest and deposits snow where skiers want to ski. Often, our bigger, permanent fences are on the edges of a trail. As wind and snow blows towards a trail, it hits one of this big fences and slows down. When the wind slows down, the snow falls out making drifts. We try and position the big fences so the snow lands where the snowcats can get to it and create beautiful, groomed ski trails.
The snowcat and human portable fences are a bit different. They don't catch as much as snow, but they can be very effective. We typically set them right in the middle of the ski trail. This way we catch snow right on the trail. Much of this work occurs before the trail is open to the public so our guests might not always see it happening. Once the fences have effectively caught snow, we move the fences out of the way to let skiers or the snowcats pack it down. In yesterday blog, I was talking about putting the fences right back in the middle of the trail to catch snow next fall.
