2010-2011 Midwest Snow Forecast
Wednesday, 20 October 2010 09:31
 We have been plowing snow for about 15 winters and the all that is certain is that every winter and every snow storm is as unique as a snowflake. Last year, the Northeast got so much snow in an early February storm that they called it “Snowmageddon.” In addition, much of the country experienced below normal temperatures though the winter. This year, long term forecasts are predicting the Midwest will be particularly snowy.
While their predictions for the rest of the country may not match up exactly, both the Farmer’s Almanac and AccuWeather appear to agree that the Midwest is likely to see more snow than usual this winter. The Farmer’s Almanac has long had a reputation for making accurate predictions of overall weather patterns using their own carefully guarded secret method. This year, they are predicting a storm track that will create an “Alberta Clipper” which will bring more snow than usual to the Central Plains, Ohio River Valley, and the Great Lakes Region. The meteorologists at AccuWeather.com are also predicting more snow than normal for areas around many midwestern cities including Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Cleveland. While neither forecast is predicting another “Snowmaggedon,” those of us in the Midwest should be prepared for more snow than we saw last year.
So, when will we see the first snow of the year? The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s long-range forecast predicts that we’ll see snow snow in upper midwest region as well as the lower lakes region in early November. They’re predicting that the first rain to snow storm will occur between November 4th and 7th in the upper midwest and between the 9th and 13th in the lower lakes region. Soon afterwards, both regions are likely to see some snow flurries and snow showers. There is also a possibility that the upper midwest will also get ice in some of the November storms.
Avoid the worry and hassle of making sure your property is snow and ice free during an active winter season and sign up with Everest Snow Management today!
NOTE: Forecast maps are from www.farmersalmanac.com and www.accuweather.com. To get more details on the predictions discussed in this article, use the above links to the websites.
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Being Chill at Everest Snow
Monday, 20 September 2010 14:11
We made a command decision about the kind of atmosphere we want in our group of businesses. They’ve got to be Chill. It is a fact that happy and relaxed team members are the best kind to have working for any company we can think of. With that in mind, we want to take strides towards helping our businesses and offices to have a more fun, relaxed, and ultimately chill atmosphere.
The first step to making this vision a reality was to provide a ChillOut Lounge to the Chicago Branch and Central office of Everest Snow Management. The lounge was designed to be a place of calm where team members can escape to let their minds and bodies relax during a hard day of work. One team member said, “it feels more like you’re stepping into a high-end spa than a room in an office space.” Relaxation starts with changing the sign on the door from “Open for Business” to “Relaxation in Progress.” Once inside you have a quiet space where you can listen to some relaxing music or just the trickle of the water fountain, use some aromatherapy candles & incense, and lay back in the amazing massage chair. With all of these things put together, it’s hard to imagine anyone not being able to strip the stress away from their day the moment they step through the door.
We plan to bring versions of the ChillOut Lounge to other branches of Everest Snow Management. The ‘Chill’ movement will also be expanded into other fun features yet to be imagined that will be added as we think of them.
Are you prepared for snow removal?
Thursday, 09 September 2010 15:13
September is National Preparedness Month. Its main purpose is to educate and to help individuals, families, and businesses be prepared in the event of a disaster like a blizzard, earthquake, etc. We agree that it is very important to have a disaster plan. However, with winter just around the corner, we believe it is just as important to have your properties ready to withstand freezing temperatures and have a plan for snow removal, whether in blizzard form or not.
At this time, you already should be making a plan for winterization and snow removal and starting to get everything put into place. Simple preventative measures can save you time, money, and headaches down the line. For example, this is the perfect time of year to check for and repair any cracks or obvious weak points where leaks can form through windows and rooftops before it becomes a big, expensive problem. This is also a good time have your heating system serviced as well as scheduling the remaining winterization tasks needed.
Once the snow is on the ground, you want to be sure that your parking lots and sidewalks are as safe as possible. Do you have a snow plowing and removal service you can trust? As a customer, you have a right to know your snow removal company’s approach to service. Here are some questions a responsible contractor should be able to easily answer:
- What is your strategy for for my property (snow plowing, shoveling, salting, snow removal, etc.) ?
- Do you create your routes well before the snow events?
- What is your event plan? How soon can you get to my property when it snows?
- Is someone always monitoring the weather in my area? If it’s only snowing where I am and not the rest of the city, will you know to service my property?
- Do you have back-up plans in place to make sure my property is serviced on time? If so, what are they?
Tell us about some of the things you do to get your properties ready for snow.
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. 
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
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.   
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