Post by Barker on Feb 27, 2023 12:49:46 GMT -5
Is a 10 mile long pipe from the water source "normal" for supplying snowmaking?
State Rep. Eamon Kelley, D-Berlin, asked how much of the project relies on the ski area being a success, saying that the question has to do with climate change and warming winters that could impact snowfall in the region. Building a ski resort in an area that has no snow becomes a risk, and is there a higher risk now than there was five years ago, asked Kelley.
‘There is a higher risk now than there was five years ago,’ said Otten.
But temperatures at the Balsams often run six or seven degrees cooler than other ski areas, such as Sunday River, Loon or Attitash, and The Balsams is investing in a pipe of about 10 miles that will draw water from the Androscoggin River to make snow, he said.
‘So we have a more than adequate water supply,’ said Otten, who then cited a climate study developers commissioned a few years ago. ‘With the colder temperatures that are normal to that area, it’s expected that the Balsams area would be one of the places that would still be viable for a 100-plus days ski season in 2079 … But you’re right. It’s a risk for everybody.’
About 25 percent of Balsams’ revenue is expected to be generated from skiing operations, he said.
thebalsamsresort.com/lancaster-consultant-outlines-proposed-balsams-financing-plan/
State Rep. Eamon Kelley, D-Berlin, asked how much of the project relies on the ski area being a success, saying that the question has to do with climate change and warming winters that could impact snowfall in the region. Building a ski resort in an area that has no snow becomes a risk, and is there a higher risk now than there was five years ago, asked Kelley.
‘There is a higher risk now than there was five years ago,’ said Otten.
But temperatures at the Balsams often run six or seven degrees cooler than other ski areas, such as Sunday River, Loon or Attitash, and The Balsams is investing in a pipe of about 10 miles that will draw water from the Androscoggin River to make snow, he said.
‘So we have a more than adequate water supply,’ said Otten, who then cited a climate study developers commissioned a few years ago. ‘With the colder temperatures that are normal to that area, it’s expected that the Balsams area would be one of the places that would still be viable for a 100-plus days ski season in 2079 … But you’re right. It’s a risk for everybody.’
About 25 percent of Balsams’ revenue is expected to be generated from skiing operations, he said.
thebalsamsresort.com/lancaster-consultant-outlines-proposed-balsams-financing-plan/
