Everest Snow Blog

Going Green with Snow

Tuesday, 10 August 2010 16:11

When you hear the word “green", snow is not what usually comes to mind. However, there are a number of things a snow plowing company can do today to start being “greener.”

At Everest Snow Management, we have begun to make a move to reduce our environmental impact both when we’re out plowing snow and while working in the office.

Out in the snow this winter, we are emphasizing that our drivers avoid over using deicing material and only use the recommended amount. The goal is to minimize the amount of these materials are introduced into the environment while still maintaining safe ice-free parking lots and walkways. While it may not seem like much to some, even too much salt can have a harmful impact. This starts with training drivers on proper application of deicing materials before the winter and having a “refresher” course mid-winter. We will make sure this policy is being followed by having Area Managers randomly inspect properties after being serviced. Our spreaders are equipped with special deflectors to make sure our salt (or deicer) isn’t spread on the grassy areas. In addition, we use deicing products that contain CMA and are pet friendly.

In the office, we are already working towards being greener. We’ve adopted a software package that enables us to reduce the amount of paper we need to run our day to day operations. Service reports are already email post to our customers. This winter we are going to take it one step further and start moving towards complete paperless customer communication with e-billing.

These are just a few things we are already doing or putting into motion here at Everest. We will continue to look for more “green” initiatives we can put into effect in the future. Please share your own “green” changes or ideas with us.

Why You Should Renew Your Snow Removal Contract During the Summer

Thursday, 15 July 2010 15:35

In the heat of the summer months, snow removal for parking lots and driveways in a few months is probably the last thing on your mind. However, it is actually the perfect time to renew your snow removal contract. Here are the top reasons why:

Save Money
During the summer months, the costs for salt and other snow removal materials are at their lowest for the year. This means, that with snow removal companies, you can often get locked into lower rates if you negotiate your contract during the off-season.

Beat the November Rush
The proverb, “The early bird catches the worm,” may be a cliché, but it is true in this case. If you take the time to renew your snow removal contract now, you will be sure to have a spot well before the first snow falls. When snow removal becomes more of a concern for most, it can become difficult to secure a position with a reputable snow plowing company.

Gain Peace of Mind
Are you ready if this year’s first snow is unusually early? Why take a chance? There is no reason not to go ahead and renew your contract well before the weather starts turning cold. You’ll rest easy knowing that whenever the first snow comes, the snow plowing will be done soon afterwards.

Renewing your snow removal contract or possibly shopping for a new one during the height of summer will lock in your rates, ensure your spot on routes, and guarantee you’ll be ready for the first snow storm.

As an extra bonus, most snow removal companies offer “early bird” specials. These offers vary by company. Some may offer a bonus gift, an extra service trial with the first snow removal, or perhaps an added price break. For instance, this year Everest Snow is offering a 10% off discount on plowing for those that sign up before August 30, 2010.

Icehotel - summer vacation idea?

Monday, 20 April 2009 08:21 Melissa Baranowski

With summer just around the corner many people are looking for new and exciting vacation spots. How about cooling down from the summer heat in a stay at a Hotel made out of ice.

Ice Hotel Entrance

Located in Sweden, the ICEHOTEL offers a unique experience in their beautifully designed hotel. You will sleep comfortably in a thermal sleeping bag on a bed made of ice and snow. They also offer warm accommodations with a Scandinavian design with amenities including TV, phone, and kettle. No matter which room you decide breakfast is included in their ICEHOTEL Restaurant that unfortunately, is not made of ice but serves the meals on ice plates made out of ice crystals.

There is much to do onsite including having a starlit dinner to watch the Northern lights while a chef prepares dinner with wine in the wilderness.

Early spring snow in Chicago

Monday, 06 April 2009 14:45 Melissa Baranowski

After a day that brought a variety of weather across the Chicago area, including hail-producing thunderstorms and rain and sleet, the precipitation potpourri shifted to a heavy, wet snow across the area Sunday evening.

The temperature dropped below freezing and many areas quickly acquired a accumulative snow cover. Totals could vary dramatically because of melting and the potential for heavier bursts of thunder-snow, which appeared to be targeting the south suburbs and northwest Indiana. The snow should diminish to flurries Monday except for some heavier lake-effect snow that is expected. Wind-chills are expected to remain in the low 20s much of the day.

Types of snowflakes

Friday, 13 March 2009 15:14

No two snowflakes are exactly alike, but their forms usually fall into several basic types. During snowfalls look closely at snow and you will see beautiful snow crystals made of ice. Many people think snowflakes are made from frozen raindrops, but this is simply not true. A snowflake forms when water vapor in the air condenses directly into solid ice. As more vapor condenses onto a nascent snow crystal, the crystal grows and develops. Amazing crystal structures appear during a simple act of water condensing into ice. The shape of snowflakes is formed by different air conditions during snowfalls. They are complex, symmetric and in varying designs. Snowflakes are the product of a rich synthesis of physics, mathematics, and chemistry. They are even fun to catch on your tongue :) Below you can see close ups of snowflakes, there's a lot more to see than you might think!

Also there are shapes that look totally different than usually imagined. Take a look at these beautiful ice crystals.

Pictures taken from SnowCrystals.com

Lake-effect Snow Hits Northwest Indiana

Wednesday, 04 February 2009 11:25

Hourly Snowfall Rate Record

Indiana snowbelt residents were hit Tuesday afternoon and evening with large amounts of snow - coming from the lake. In some areas of Lake, Porter, western La Porte counties in northwest Indiana reported snowfall rates of 3.5 to 4 inches per hour, which makes it a new record compared to the hourly snowfall rate in Chicago on February 23 1967. Final snow accumulations reached or exceed 20 inches in some areas of northwest Indiana. Take a look below at some pictures taken during the snowfall event.

Highway I-90 covered with snow Even plow trucks struggled with snow accumulations

14 Measurable Snow Days To Come

Thursday, 29 January 2009 11:38

Based on trends observed during 124 year observations, Chicago land has 14 measurable snow days still to come beyond January 29. To date we had 31 days with measurable snow, which puts us in the top 3 rank in 124 years!

Chicago's Average Snowfalls

Wednesday, 28 January 2009 15:34

Looking back at the six snowiest winters to date since 1884, pace of snowfall slowed down in four of them (67%) after January 28. Below bar graph shows average snowfall after January 28 and full season totals (rounded to the nearest inch) for Chicago's six snowiest winters to date.

In a historical perspective, in 6 previous winters (nearly as cold and as snowy as current one), 67% of those winters continued cold and recorded slower snowfall rates. Least observed snowfall was 9.5" and greatest was 27.5". 124 year average show snowfall after January 28 at 17.5"

15th Coldest Winter in 139 Years!

Tuesday, 20 January 2009 14:42

As you can see from the graph below, currently we have the 15th coldest winter in Chicago! The average temperature to date is 20.3° which is 7.8 degrees colder than last winter at this point. Additionally we are in the middle of the snow season. More than 50% of snow still to come! January is the snowiest month in Chicago - based on long-term average monthly snowfall (1884-2008).