Hawk Creek Update

The month of February was unusually warm and mild which can create challenges for Turf Managers. When temperatures rise above zero during the day and fall below zero during the night, freeze-thaw cycles occur. When these freeze-thaw cycles occur, ice buildup becomes a major concern both in playable and non playable areas.

Priddis Greens Turf Care staff, while performing their weekly golf course tours, have been closely monitoring the creek and culverts on Hawk 9-11.  While the culverts are working great, the creek has created concerns. This past week (Tuesday, March 12th) saw temperatures reaching 12 degrees Celsius. As a result water breached over the berm and started spilling into the treated effluent pond on Hawk 9 because of the buildup of ice throughout the creek. The pond level remains low throughout the winter to allow room for spring runoff and treated effluent water over the non irrigated months.

Creek breaching into the pond

Turf Care staff, with the help of an outside contractor, cut trenches into the ice to create channels for the water to run. Also with the help of a hot, mobile pressure washer, Turf Care was able to create channels underneath the two pedestrian bridges.

Turf Care staff cutting a trench into the ice with a chainsaw

Turf Care staff opening up the trench

 Contractor using large hoe to remove ice from creek bed

End result

Removing the ice from the creek bed helped to make room for running water caused by snow melt. This made an immediate improvement in these areas and Turf Care staff will continue to closely monitor through the remainder of the spring as we get into the warmer temperatures.