In November 2024, TART Trails installed yardsticks across the Vasa Pathway to gather data on snow accumulation. Anecdotally, we know there are different amounts of snow land and stay in different areas along the pathway due to the distinct micro-climates occurring on the Vasa Pathway. We can now justify this through data and statistical analysis.
From December until March, we gathered at least two yardstick measurements per month. Yard Stick 1 is nearest to the current Bartlett Trailhead. Yard Sticks 5 and 6 are nearest to the future year-round trail management facility.
Nearest the Bartlett Trailhead, we found a seasonal average of 8.37 inches. Near the future facility, we found a seasonal average of 13.18 inches. This is a statistically significant difference in means, resulting in a p-value less than 0.05 (0.0031).
The future facility received more snow accumulation throughout the season and maintained snow more effectively amidst melting periods. Currently, the winter grooming equipment is stored at the Bartlett Trailhead, which is the least resilient to major snow melting events. Grooming equipment can remain stranded due to bare trail patches. Shifting the grooming equipment to the future facility will ensure the grooming team can take action on the trail during warming periods. This data provides necessary justification for the placement of the new facility.
