Opening Weekend Snow

The 4th hole one week prior to opening

It is true, despite all the sunny thoughts I have harbored for the last week, it is going to snow on Sunday of opening weekend. The reality of cold wet weather has continued its grip on the Tahoe region putting the average temperature a chilling 4 degrees below what is commonly called normal for April and May. 16 days above 50 degrees, and 6 days above 60 degrees (April 1 was 61, a good joke) does not encourage prolific growth of grass.  Opening Friday the 13th, will be spectacular with the high temperature a most enjoyable 63, winds light and variable. Saturday back to what we have come to know as our recent reality, with the high 10 degrees cooler than Friday and windy.  Now, Sunday it is going to snow for the second time this week, and Monday the high is projected to be 35, with a continued chance of more of the white stuff.

Click on this link for the Jet stream animation for this past week.



This cool trend keeps the grass from growing, so density is quite lacking at this time.  But once the temperatures rise, there is 7,000lbs of seed on all the fairways that will take care of the density issue on those playing surfaces.  Greens are being pushed with nitrogen fertilizer, and they have good color, and decent growth.  They will be slow out of the gate this weekend, due to the weather and a higher cutting height that promotes recovery, and better root growth.  Lahontan greens are treated like a world class athlete.  There has to be a strong base (density and roots) before you win the gold medal (stemping 11.5 plus for 6 weeks).  We were 11.5 plus last year from the Men's Invitational, through the Member / Pro; I know because we measure them daily.



It looks as if the 7th fairway will be nearly unplayable due to the river of water that has surfaced from springs on the right hand side of the hole.  This despite years of drainage improvements. Water content in the snow pack this spring is measuring at 250%.

Notice the dry area in the forefront and where the water is surfacing and sheeting across the 7th  



Kevin