Post by Admin on Feb 2, 2018 8:46:51 GMT -7
Volunteers Build 3,000 feet of Snow Fencing in Glastonbury
During November and December of 2017 volunteers braved bitter cold weather and constructed over 3,000 feet of new snow fencing in North and South Glastonbury. The work crew started with just a handful of determined landowners in early November. On November 11th Bob Sones, Jeff Riederer, Richard Johnson (RJ), Leo Keeler and Tim Brockett commenced work on Mountain Sky property along Dry Creek Road in South Glastonbury.
The Road Committee designed a new type of professional snow fence that offered to store more snow and last longer than traditional 4 foot slatted fence. They placed green T posts 10 feet apart and then bolted a pressure treated 2x4, one foot above the ground, to every post. The 2x4 aligned and secured the T posts while providing a dry platform for the wood slatted fence to rest upon. When pickets touch the wet ground they absorb water and rot quickly. The 12 inch opening also improved the aerodynamics of the fence by allowing some wind to go under the fence and sweep drifts further away. Pre-installation calculations showed that the new design could store snow in drifts up to 5 feet tall and 130 feet wide! Thus each new fence was installed 140 feet away from the road it was meant to protect if the surface was level.
Bob Sones donated the use of his equipment which included an air driven "Man Saver" post pounder. On the first day we pounded over 125 T posts with his assistance on Mountain Sky property. The fencing installed on Mountain Sky has to be removed every spring so the fields can be planted and irrigated. For that section we simply used T posts and 4 foot slatted snow fence so it will be easy to take down in April. For other sections we used the professional and permanent 2x4 method of installing snow fence. Those sections should last 10 years or longer with routine maintenance.
In High South along Sagittarius Skyway we installed 200 feet of professional snow fencing along a section of road that frequently had two to four foot drifts. This year (2018), that section was drift free and required only minimal plowing.
In December the Road Committee analyzed the problem drifting areas in North Glastonbury and devised a plan. Their proposal was approved and funded by the GLA Board and work began quickly.
In High South along Sagittarius Skyway we installed 200 feet of professional snow fencing along a section of road that frequently had two to four foot drifts. This year (2018), that section was drift free and required only minimal plowing.
In December the Road Committee analyzed the problem drifting areas in North Glastonbury and devised a plan. Their proposal was approved and funded by the GLA Board and work began quickly.
Word spread rapidly about the new and improved snow fencing being built in South Glastonbury and many more folks came forward to donate their time and equipment. Volunteer ages ranged from 3 to 80 plus years. They came out in bitter cold weather and braved thickly falling snow for hours on end. Some men snapped icicles from their beards and mustaches while helping to take down old fence and install new fence.
In South Glastonbury snow fencing was installed along Dry Creek Road and Sagittarius Skyway. In North Glastonbury new professional snow fencing was built along Sirius Drive by the hill, along Aquarius Lane, along Capricorn by the north entrance and along the gravel section of Aries Drive. All sections of the new fencing are holding up well and working beautifully. The arc drift that perennially formed on the pavement by Sirius Hill is noticeably absent in 2018 and driving is much safer around that sharp corner. Landowners have saved on plowing costs and those savings should continue well into the future.
In fall of 2018 the Road Committee would like to install more professional grade fencing and upgrade older fencing.
Many thanks to the hardy and hard working volunteers who graciously donated their time and braved bitter cold Montana weather to help install snow fencing. A BIG thank-you to Jeff Riederer, Bob Sones, Leo Keeler, Richard Johnson (RJ), Chris and Ia Williams, Svend Andersen, Debbie Blais, Kevin Newby, Chad Stone and his son Finnegan, Claudette Dirkers, John Carp, Dennis Riley and Tim Brockett. Thanks also to professional photographer Leo Keeler for taking and sharing the first two photos with the us.
In fall of 2018 the Road Committee would like to install more professional grade fencing and upgrade older fencing.
Many thanks to the hardy and hard working volunteers who graciously donated their time and braved bitter cold Montana weather to help install snow fencing. A BIG thank-you to Jeff Riederer, Bob Sones, Leo Keeler, Richard Johnson (RJ), Chris and Ia Williams, Svend Andersen, Debbie Blais, Kevin Newby, Chad Stone and his son Finnegan, Claudette Dirkers, John Carp, Dennis Riley and Tim Brockett. Thanks also to professional photographer Leo Keeler for taking and sharing the first two photos with the us.