IC&E eastbound spreader, Alden, Minn. Feb 28, 2008
Just east of Alden on the Wells line there is a long cut atop of a ridge that is notorious for drifting in with the legendary "snirt" found in this part of the world. Wind swept snow combines with fertile top soil off nearby farm fields, then it packs hard into these cuts forcing the railroad to use drastic measures. I lost count of how many passes they made before moving on. This day started out sunny and by nightfall we were experiencing near blizzard conditions.
IC&E eastbound spreader, Alden, Minn. Feb 28, 2008
Just east of Alden on the Wells line there is a long cut atop of a ridge that is notorious for drifting in with the legendary "snirt" found in this part of the world. Wind swept snow combines with fertile top soil off nearby farm fields, then it packs hard into these cuts forcing the railroad to use drastic measures. I lost count of how many passes they made before moving on. This day started out sunny and by nightfall we were experiencing near blizzard conditions.