Winter Update

2026 is underway and we are well into our winter mode. As usual, a lot of my attention is given to the weather forecast. Not only for snow removal plans, but to see how it may affect the turf on the golf course. We began the calendar year with cold temperatures and little to no snow cover. We did have some ice on a few greens at this time.

6 Green under a couple inches of ice. Taken January 8th

The next two weeks things warmed up and saw several rain events. The frozen turf thawed and any ice on the course melted. My walks touring the property became very soft and muddy if I strayed far from the cart paths. We got our first healthy dumping of snow two Sundays ago. Approximately 20cm of heavy, wet snow fell and temperatures are now trending downward, with the windchill threatening -30C overnight on the following Saturday.

6 Green again. Taken January 16th

The snow on the course can be good to protect from injury due to the cold temperatures. The concern as always is ice. The worry was that the wet snow would cause water to fall to the surface and freeze.

I toured the course last week and checked out a few greens to see where we were at for snow depths and ice levels. While there was a crusty layer at the top, I was happy to see snow right down to the surface and little to no ice accumulation.

About 4" snow without any ice. Picture taken January 23rd.

I was ready to publish this blog last week, but knowing that a significant snow event was coming, I waited so I could provide a current update. The last couple days brought 20-25cm snow that have buried the property. A check on a couple greens today showed about 11" of snow cover. There was a very thin (less than a quarter inch), crusty layer of ice that freed up just by swiping it with my hand. So not overly concerning, though a more thorough scouting of other areas on the course could provide different information. Temperatures in the next couple weeks do not look like they will rise to the point of much melting taking place, that could drive ice accumulation on the greens surface. The deep snow will provide a nice buffer from the harsh cold we have been experiencing. Another major storm is forecasted this weekend that could really bury us as February approaches.

Beyond the snow removal and monitoring the turf we are busy assessing our course accessories. Making repairs to our benches and garbage cans, painting our tee markers are on the to do list. Bill is busy after getting the major parts order from our suppliers. Significant time and money will be put into all of our equipment as he services them in preparation for the upcoming season. Hopefully only another couple months before we are back out and getting the property ready for play. Check back soon for the next update.