There is 'snow' way around it, winter will last 30 more days

Last week, my bride said the lovely ladies at the Sandpoint West Athletic Club pool requested that I remediate (clean up) the snow in our area.

For those who know me, they know that I really like to take on tough challenges. Usually, others have looked at the job and refused it because of its unusual demands. This request had those qualities.

Generally, before every demanding job, I start my homework process and this task was no different. I break the job down into manageable parts so that I can figure out really what is needed to accomplish my mission - job completion. Because it has been more than 30 years ago since I attended high school, I had to refresh my memory on exactly what snow was and how it is formed.

I thought you, the reading audience, would find this information useful, just in case you have to do some remediation.

Snowflakes are agglomerates of many snow crystals. Most snowflakes are less than one-half inch across. It usually takes near freezing temperatures and light wind for snow to develop. Snow appears white because of the natural sunlight that it absorbs. There have been many studies that indicate snow forms in the atmosphere, not at the surface. Snow can fall when surface temperature are above freezing as long as the atmospheric temperatures are above freezing and the air contains the minimum amount of moisture.

The water content of snow is more variable than most of us realize; however, the general rule is for every 10 inches of snow equals four inches of water. Most snow has a high percentage of trapped air, which makes it look fluffy.

Snow is edible. However, in urban areas, pollutants contaminate snow. Also be careful about yellow snow. There are some algae that grow in snow, it usually looks red in color. My recommendation is that unless it is absolutely white, I wouldn't eat it.

I think I've gotten off subject a bit. To answer those ladies' question, my answer is yes, the snow will be gone within 30 calendar days.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail him at madan@surf1.ws or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID, 83864; Attn.: What Would Ed Do? For more information about Ed, check him out online at www.NWEES.com.

Copy written by Ed Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president/CEO or Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.