Volunteer snow pile monitoring

New volunteer project: snow pile monitoring

A dirty snow pile in a parking lot.Have you ever driven past a parking lot in winter and thought wow! That’s a big snow pile?

Well, so have we! This winter, in partnership with Bolton & Menk Inc, the NMCWD is running a snow pile monitoring program to measure those snow piles that often last well into the spring.

For this research project, we are only monitoring snow piles that are not hauled off site during the season. Volunteers visually measure height, shape, length, and width of a snow pile after every snowfall and periodically from January to April. Volunteers are also keeping an eye on snow melt, weather conditions, and snow fall.

Why we are monitoring snow piles:

This monitoring program is to help us have a better understanding of what snow storage needs are in Minnesota. Location and sizes of snow piles can affect ice formation and salt use on property.

Two people monitor a snow pile in Edina.
Two people monitor a snow pile in Edina.

Salt or chloride is used to help melt snow and ice during the winter. It is also a pollutant, and once it enters our waterways it’s too costly to remove. Just 1 teaspoon of salt is enough to pollute 5 gallons of water. High levels of chloride are toxic to aquatic life and can harm creek and lake habitats. When snow piles are not placed correctly or do not have enough space, freezing and thawing conditions can cause ice to form all over parking lots and sidewalks as the pile melts.

By monitoring the current size and shape of snow piles, we can gather important information that will be used to calculate how much space should be set aside for snow storage in the winter and where snow piles should be placed.

If you’re interested in learning more, contact Claire at greencorps@ninemilecreek.org.