GOLF
we have set a record for most consecutive days with at least 10 inches of snow on the ground.
Bill Abbey, Director of Agronomy & Grounds
GOLF COURSE CONDITIONS UPDATE
March 23, 2023
In case you are not aware, this has been one heck of winter! In fact, we are experiencing snow flurries today as I write this. I have worked at Forest Highlands for 33 years and this is the most snow I have ever seen. I have two interesting points of data to share about our winter of 2022/23: Through March 23, this is the second snowiest winter on record (101 years of data), trailing only the winter of 1948/49. We are only 4 inches shy of eclipsing that record; Also, we have set a record for most consecutive days with at least 10 inches of snow on the ground. The new record is 59 days, surpassing the previous record set in 2010. Forest Highlands currently has snow depths ranging from 0” to 40”. There is some exposed turf on #9 right side rough and fairway on the Canyon Course, but #9 green still has 40”. As some of you know, the incredible snow depths have made driving around Forest Highlands difficult. Many of the roads were limited to one lane wide at times, a result of snow berms on the roadsides which made our snowplows basically ineffective. Also, the snow depth and snow load on buildings and houses have caused extensive damage. We have had two roof collapses, numerous decks damaged, and many homes have suffered interior damage due to ice dams on roofs and the resulting leaks into the homes. Needless to say, this winter has been tough on everyone.
Cart Path & Beast #9 Canyon
I’d like to give a brief update on what all this snow means for your golf courses and how we intend to get them ready for play. First, there has been damage associated with our winter season. Many trees have fallen as have many large branches broken off.
Cart Path Erosion # 17 Canyon
Broken Limbs #9 Canyon
Flooding has occurred on Canyon holes #9, 17 and 18 because of rainfall on top of our incredible snowpack. Cart paths have been eroded, bunkers have been washed out and debris is strewn everywhere from the flooding. We have tried to clear cart paths of snow by using our tractor/ loader and this has caused some damage to the sides of cart paths. All this damage is repairable, and I don’t see this as anything more than a nuisance that we have to deal with.
VOICE IN THE PINES | APRIL 2023 16
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