What are “wet” and “dry” snow?
Snowmakers often talk about “dry” snow and “wet” snow. The main difference between snow types is how much water a certain volume of snow holds, and each is used for a different purpose. “Dry” snow has a relatively low amount of water, so it is very light and powdery. “Wet” snow also plays an important role on ski slopes. Resorts use this denser snow to build up the snow level on well-traveled trails. Then, dry snow is used to re-surface trails. • Why do we sometimes see snowmakers standing under the plume of snow? At times you may have noticed a snowmaker standing under a plume of snow with his or her arm extended. They are not directing traffic on the slopes, but rather checking snow quality. Typically they like to see 90% of the snow crystals bounce off the sleeve of their coat. Certain circumstances call for either wetter snow or drier snow. Groomers are another part of the Loon team who do their jobs behind the scenes, out of the limelight. Unless you get to the mountain very, very
