Snow machine

Used when Nature doesn't come thru! ;) Nearly all ski resorts in our area have them. Even when there's good snow coverage, they're often used to boost the snowpack in high-traffic areas. The unit consists of an industrial-strength fan surrounded by a ring of tiny spray nozzles. The idea is that the water droplets freeze instantly on hitting the air--so obviously air temperatures have to be below freezing for the contraption to work! Looking NNE from the Mt. Rose Ski area, Nevada. Reno, Nevada is out in the valley beyond.