Should we outlaw snowmaking?

[whirnot]

As some eluded to it is probably an advantage to use the water for snowmaking. During the winter creeks and rivers flow through the state and out. with no irrigation use it just goes downstream for the most part. Using some of that water to add to the snowpack increases the amount that will be available for local use next spring and summer.
Kind of like a water savings account.

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by whirnot

As some eluded to it is probably an advantage to use the water for snowmaking. During the winter creeks and rivers flow through the state and out. with no irrigation use it just goes downstream for the most part.

Ummm .... my understanding, which is admittedly limited, is that much of that water is captured in reservoirs.

[Migrate]

Skiing is one of the most environmentally unfriendly sports around (but i go every weekend). This was my graduate work, though old and outdated. Consider the sediment, seeds, etc, that are relocated all over the mtn through pulling water from sources around the base and spreading it all over. Also, erosion, exhaust from lifts and snow equipment, etc. (regarding % of pollution, the majority of VT air pollution is directly related to the ski industry) As I said, it's old and obviously nothing is sourced as I'm at work and my info was gathered 5 years ago. I'm sure much has improved, but don't think just because it's outdoors, healthy, etc, that is is all good, there's a downside. But, as i also mentioned, i eye that forecast each weekend and wax my board regularly... Is what it is. Interesting thought on the snow savings account from blowing it on the slopes, makes sense initially.

[snofarmer]

Winner winner chicken diner.

Some ski areas even use wells and their own ponds.

Originally Posted by DontLookPhoto

The water used in snow-making stays in the drainage basin and will melt and return to the creeks and rivers that it would end up in anyway. Irrigation water isn't used much, if at all during the winter and that water for the most part is not wasted or gone, it will still be back into the rivers when needed for crop irrigation when melt-out comes.

Like the other poster said, lawns and golf courses use a lot of water at the time when it should be used for growing food. Why pick on the ski resorts ? If you all are really running out of water then perhaps it should be rationed fairly and with intelligence.

For Migrate,
yes a ski area is dirtier than if there was nothing there at all but trees and rocks.
Lifts are run by electricity and the only time they make pollution on site is when the APU is running in the event of a power outage.

yes, the lack of vegetation on new runs is a erosion problem but most do a good job of reseeding.

snow cats are no more dirty that a pick up.

Source of my info, my life experience from being in the slope maintenance field (grunt to supervisor) for 28 years at major western ski areas, (lifts/ maintenance and installation, snowmaking/ grooming, to cutting new trails to installing snowmaking systems and lifts.