Snow storage – Modelling, theory and some new research

Abstract

A B S T R A C TThe arrival of natural snow is often delayed nowadays due to global warming. This causes problems for ski resorts and other places where winter activities in different forms take place. Storing snow provides one solution for the winter business industry to deal with this problem. However, there is so far very little research concerning this question. In this paper a review of current knowledge of snow storage and experiences from mainly Scandinavian snow storages is presented. New results concerning melting losses of stored snow from a trial experiment in the north of Sweden are presented. These results are compared to theoretical calculations. The model used for the calculations is shown to be useful for estimating melting losses of insulated piles of snow. Thus the calculations can serve as an important background when designing an insulated snow depot. The model can also be used to compare different insulating materials and to determine properties such as thickness of the insulating layer needed to sufficiently insulate the snow. By minimizing the surface area of insulated snow depots, melt rate due to heat from the air, sun and sky, which constitute the largest part of the total melt, can be reduced. The quality of insulating materials used will be subject to annual observation. Commonly used insulating materials such as bark, wood chips, cutter shavings and sawdust deteriorate.

Optimization of over-summer snow storage at mid-latitude and low elevation

“…6). Lintzén and Knutsson (2018) reference similar snow pile/insulation failure due to steep pile-side geometry.…”

“…The Davos location has an average summer relative humidity of 79%. Lintzén and Knutsson (2018) reviewed current knowledge of snow storage and experience from areas in Scandinavia and reported new results from an experiment in northern Sweden, analyzing melt loss of stored snow. They report that the most 15 common snow storage insulation method employees a breathable surface layer over an insulating material.…”

“…They measured snow volumes three times over the summer and found that higher relative humidity increased melt rate. They also investigated the geometry of snow piles and determined that shaping piles in a way 20 that maximized volume to surface area minimized melt loss; however, steeper snow pile sides caused sliding and failure of insulation materials (Lintzén and Knutsson, 2018).…”

A Scientific Perspective on Reducing Ski-Snow Friction to Improve Performance in Olympic Cross-Country Skiing, the Biathlon and Nordic Combined

“…In the 1990's, for obvious practical reasons, regions with little snow began to use snow guns. During the following decades, this practice expanded greatly and today, most of the snow on which World Cup and Olympic cross-country ski races take place is a combination of natural, machine-made and stored snow (Lintzén and Knutsson, 2018 ), with the latter often forming the base. At the same time, improvements in the machines used to groom snow now provide harder and more homogenous surfaces that allow more rapid skiing.…”

Adapting to climate change: the case of snow-based tourism in Afriski, Lesotho

“…This response is dependent on quality of snow and availability. During conducive conditions, snow can be produced and stored over the summer for use in the winter seasons, which represents a more sustainable adaptation mechanism that can be used for ensuring a timely start to the skiing season (Lintzén and Knutsson, 2018). The third prevailing adaptation option is the introduction of non-snow-dependent activities (Landauer et al, 2012).…”