Watching the Snow Melt

After a brief hiatus, I am ready to get the blog fired up more frequently.  Over the last few weeks, our time has been occupied completing our inside work (detailed in my last post), as well as tending to all the snow that blanketed Wichita.   Officially, we ended up with 21.2" of snow for the month.  This was the most snow ever in a single month for Wichita. 

In years past, the first of March  typically marks the beginning of our outdoor work season.  The first few items to break the winter hibernation (aside from winter projects) are Poa control on greens, rough aerification, and occasionally a late touch up seeding in the rough.  With the snow still on the ground, it looks like we may be backing up the calendar at least a week.  Although typical for Wichita, we will be in the mid 60's before the week is over!

If you keep up with the blog, you have probably heard me talk about some of the different types of technology we use to monitor moisture and temperature in the greens.  Our primary method for measuring soil moisture is with a portable hand-held unit.  During the winter months this is seldom possible due to frozen greens or snow cover.  The alternative to this method are the in-ground sensors that we have placed in various greens throughout the course.  The data from the sensors is a web based application that can be easily monitored through multiple sources.  

Screen shot of Toro Site Vision

 
Above is a screen shot of moisture and temperature.  The top graph shows moisture.  As the line moves upward, this signifies the melting of the snow.  The bottom graph reflects temperature swings prior to snow cover, followed by a constant line after snow cover.  Notice the 20 degree daily fluctuation before the snow.

Nothing beats getting out on the course to see whats going on, but with technology that we have today, we are armed with valuable information before ever stepping foot on the course.

As far as getting the course opened, I would expect by Wednesday afternoon or Thursday we should be ready for play.  Once the snow melts, we have some cleanup to deal with (primarily from the Geese) before we can get it opened.  Hopefully, by then the course will have had a chance to dry down some.  As it gets closer, check Foretees for the first available tee times.