Environmental effects associated with snow grooming and skiing at Treble Cone Ski Field Research Completed
Title
Environmental effects associated with snow grooming and skiing at Treble Cone Ski Field
Lead Author
Fahey, B., Wardle, K. & Weir, P.
Organisation(s)
Department of Conservation
Publication Year
1999
Publisher
Department of Conservation
Contacts
Abstract
The effect of snow grooming on snow properties at Treble Cone Ski Field and possible impacts on plants and soil were investigated by Landcare Research, Lincoln, for the Department of Conservation in the winter of 1997.
Snow depth, density, equivalent water content, and hardness were monitored along transects at five non-groomed, and four groomed slopes in late July, late August, and late September 1997. Average densities measured for transects on groomed slopes were 36% higher than those on non-groomed slopes. There was 45% more water available on average from the snowpack on groomed slopes than on non-groomed slopes. Snow hardness was 400% times higher across groomed transects in late July, but only 40% higher in late September.
Increases in snow density and hardness attributed to snow grooming are similar to those observed overseas but lie at the low end of the range. They are probably sufficient to inhibit or delay soil bacterial activity and subsequent litter decomposition.
Keywords:
Snow grooming, skiing, environmental effects, snow properties, Treble Cone Ski Field, Lakes Ecological Region.
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July 13, 2012