Sierra NV, artificial snow

- man-made snow is pretty interesting. most importantly a resort needs to have corporate backing, or else there isn't enough money to buy the equipment and have a water source.
the 'guns' will make piles of snow resembling a whale, which are called 'whales'. snowcats spread that out and it is kind of like farming. the ground surface is generally smooth so 12'' of packed snow is enough to open.  'strips' of man-made runs occur in the very beginning, and the runs will get widened during progressive colder temps. temps in the low 20's are beneficial for snow quality. its pretty hard to tell the difference between (firmer) natural and man-made groomers when la Nina conditions deliver clear skies, low humidity, and cooler temps.
after the groomed gets skied, the surface has that loose snow on top of a firm base which is pretty ideal, depending on the traffic.
   

"the groomed gets skied...the surface has that loose snow on top of a firm base which is pretty ideal..."

Given our situation with the weather, I call this powder!!