Snowmaking

The use of snowmaking machines has become more common as changing weather patterns and the popularity of indoor ski resorts create a demand for snow beyond that which is provided by nature.

Americans Art Hunt, Dave Richey, and Wayne Pierce invented the snow cannon in 1950,[4][5] but secured a patent sometime later.

computer control supplements that skill with greater precision, such that a snow gun operates only when snowmaking is optimal.

These products are organic or inorganic materials that facilitate the water molecules to form the proper shape to freeze into ice crystals.

Man fan-type snow guns have on-board electric air compressors, which allows for cheaper and more compact operation.

[9] The pipes following the trails are equipped with shelters containing hydrants, electrical power and, optionally, communication lines mounted.

The infrastructure to support snowmaking may have a negative environmental impact, altering water tables near reservoirs and mineral and nutrient content of the soil under the snow itself.

The small droplets of water and the tiny ice crystals are then mixed and propelled out by a powerful fan, after which they further cool through evaporation in the surrounding air as they fall to the ground.

Smaller versions of the snow machines found at ski resorts exist, scaled down to run off household size air and water supplies.

Home snowmakers receive their water supply either from a garden hose or from a pressure washer, which makes more snow per hour.

[13] In the European Alps the proportion of ski slopes that can be covered by artificial snow varies among countries (Germany 25%, France 37%, Switzerland 53%, Austria 70%, Italy 90%).

Rising temperatures will result in greater snowmelt and decreased snowfall, thus forcing ski resorts to depend more heavily upon the use of artificial snow.

[16] Furthermore, 50% of the average American ski resort's energy costs are generated by the production of artificial snow.

[13] Snowmaking machines allow ski resorts to extend their seasons and sustain their businesses in times of low snowfall.

With changing climate trends, snowfall is becoming increasingly unpredictable, thus jeopardizing the economic success of ski resorts.

[17] Such high levels of revenue increase the demand for predictable and adequate amounts of snow cover, which can be achieved through artificial snowmaking practices.

Many mountain reservoirs are embankment dams that feed underground water pipelines, and pose significant safety risks to nearby populations and ecosystems.

Additionally, mountain reservoirs expel water very quickly, causing massive floods, and significantly jeopardizing public safety.

[18] As a result of changing weather patterns, snowmaking has become a major revenue-making activity due to a shortage in the supply of natural snow.

However, it poses significant environmental threats that may serve to perpetuate the issue that resulted in an increased demand for artificial snow in the first place.

[23] It's been projected that by the 2050s, fewer than half of the 21 locations historically used for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics (up to Beijing 2022) would still have reliable weather conditions.

[24] These predicted changes in temperature and snowfall patterns will induce ski resorts to rely more heavily upon artificial snow which uses significant amounts of water and electricity.

Furthermore, the high mineral and nutrient content of the water used to produce artificial snow changes soil composition, which in turn affects which plants are able to grow.

Furthermore, producing artificial snow allows ski resorts to extend the amount of time that they are operational, thus increasing opportunities for people to participate in outdoor physical activities.

However, in addition to environmental impacts, the production of artificial snow results in significant negative cultural and social externalities.

Many ski resorts rent out mountains and slopes from the US Forest Service, which raises questions surrounding how the land can and should be used, and who should be the arbiter of determining appropriate uses.

Arizona Snowbowl is situated in the San Francisco peaks, which are one of the holiest sites for various Native American tribes in the Four Corners area, including the Navajo Nation.

A group of plaintiffs made up of members from six Native American tribes and various other organizations filed a lawsuit against the US Forest Service and Arizona Snowbowl.

Plaintiffs alleged that undertaking such a project would significantly alter and damage the cultural and spiritual nature of the mountain.

For example, if the Baltic Sea is not yet frozen in January, cold winds from Siberia may lead to significant snowfall.