UP Rotaries winter 2011 Donner pass

Nice video, enjoyed watching it. Thanks for posting.

Very interesting video.  California really needs more snow like that shown in the video.  I know that it is hard on the crews and the railroad.  However, the state is dependent on the snow for most of its water.  We are in the midst of a drought.  Most of us here in the Golden State are hoping for enough snow to keep the rotaries very busy.

Joe

Remember that it isn't really "all that snow" that keeps the rotaries busy. The reason for the use of the rotaries in that video (2011) was due to a huge avalanche. The rotaries are rarely used since the specially modified Jordan Spreaders and Flanger consists normally keep "The Hill" open.

I lived in AZ for a good period and lived next door to a guy who worked with the water dept. We spoke of how the water might have to be rationed in the future as demand keeps outgrowing supply.

 I saw a TV show last month also talking about the history of dams and how the Colorado river has changed thru the years.

 I believe you when you say your hoping for good snow falls.

And that is the problem.  California needs several years of 100-200"+ sierra snowfalls in a row; and it's not going to happen.

I'm assuming that you have a meteorological degree in long range weather forecasting? 

Tree rings in CA show periods of drought lasting 10 plus years.  Some people speculate we may be entering this kind of cycle.  Global warming is changing weather patterns.    The next big project may be a pipeline from the midwest where there seems to be an abundance of flooding to the west.  

Of course, it might be cool to see water tank car trains coming this way also.  

 I think a lot gets blamed on global warming. I imagine it's an easy fit so if it's happening now, it must be global warming, right?

 How about all the people moving out to the desert southwest and planting grass and washing their cars. Not a big deal right? They don't live near the Great Lakes anymore and can't understand why they should conserve anything. They've got money and want it now. The great cities out there haven't figured out ways to supply more water out of rocks????

 I hope it never gets to crisis mode like I heard that it will (doom and gloom). I do believe that mother nature can fix things with a quick change of patterns.

 I would love to know how big RR's budgets can cover such natural occurances. Who ever's writing the check must have deep pockets to cover these things. Got to be huge burdens. Seems like SP had a tough route to keep clear.

 Is there an Eastern road that would have as tuff a time as SP's Donner's Pass?

Ooops, I was typing and missed your post. Funny, I was thinking about the global warming thing.

Great video Joe.

I think Norfolk Southern and CSX will need some help along the Lake Shore this week.

How is your layout doing?

Thanks for posting this! Awesome video, I really enjoyed it!  Have a ton of respect for the rotaries and their crew.  Very skilled team!

I quit!! Taking a break at least. Stuff keeps going wrong.

We just talked to my girl's brother. He now has over five feet of snow in his driveway.

His sister in-law has even more and can't get out the door. The snow is over her head!

 I imagine some train crews could get stranded tonight right past Silvercreek towards Buffalo. I hope they're prepared.

  I just heard the street plows are getting stuck again. They've switched to mainly using loaders. Too much snow too fast. It's a very narrow band of lake effect snow that hasn't let up. Normally it moves southward towards the ski regions. I bet they'll hit the ten foot mark soon!

Here comes another Thank You!!  I thoroughly enjoyed watching the entire video. 

It was great to listen to individuals working in the yards and explaining what they do. Railroad men/women and the industry have risen to a highly professional standard. 

Both my wife and I enjoyed it very much! Thanks for sharing this! Well done!

Previous discussion on the video:

https://ogrforum.com/t...24#26067524169780924

Great video!

Back in the early 80's I drove truck from Chicago to the west coast and back weekly. Spent many a 3-4 winter days laid over in Reno because Donner (I-80) was closed because of snow. I was under the impression that the average snowfall was like 20' in that area?

I mean isn't that why the SP constructed all those miles of snowsheds?

EXACTLY!  In fact, the engine terminal, including the turntable, and all the crew offices & mechanical offices at Norden, the summit, was ALL UNDER ROOF.

Great video.

What a great video of the rotary! I had never seen them in operation before. Thanks for sharing it.  And, yes, something like that could sure help the areas South of Buffalo today.