I received an email from a local golf course today regarding surface conditions of their greens under the most recent snowfall (16 inches, 12/9/12) and rainfall (0.42 inches, 12/15/12). With the warmer temperatures and rainfall, the current snow depth has dropped down to 4-5 inches. The concern right now would be the possible buildup of ice on the greens surface at such an early date. Luckily with the warmer temperatures that we’ve been having (+10 F above average) and the snow insulation, the layer of moisture below the snow is well aerated and not frozen solid on these greens. Surface aeration is very important for turfgrass during the winter months, as respiration is still occurring and gases must be released.
A close up of the greens surface under the snow layer (12/17/12)