Winter Notes - Fairbanks

Winter Notes:

Don’t Get Stranded

If it is snowing, or forecasted to snow more than two inches, we strongly encourage you to park at the top of the driveway in the cul-de-sac area, off to the side and clear of snow plows.
 

During significant winter storms, it can take several days for plowing. The short walk up the drive is far easier than digging out your vehicle, missing a flight, waiting for a tow truck that may also get stuck, or trying to get a cab or Uber to reach you.

Aurora Dome & Winter Conditions

As noted in the property description, the Aurora Dome transforms into an igloo for much of the winter season. Please plan accordingly and do not expect to view the Northern Lights from inside the dome during the winter.

Why is the dome not cleared? When heated for extended periods, accumulated snow generally melts off. However, moisture does not evaporate from the polycarbonate panels. Once the stove is turned off, that moisture freezes instantly, forming a layer of ice. Subsequent snowfall then settles over the frozen surface. Rather than compromise the integrity of the structure, we allow the dome to follow a natural winter cycle. In the colder months, enjoy the quiet beauty of the igloo aesthetic with the comfort of a warm fire inside.

Do Not attempt to remove snow with a shovel or broom provided for decks. You risk scratching the panels, which will need to be charged back to you, to include shipping and labor costs. 

Aurora Dome - Pellet Stove in Extreme Cold

In temperatures below zero, the LED display, internal motors and safety sensors may temporarily struggle to engage. If the stove does not respond: follow the steps provided. Important: Please do not bend or move electrical cords in temperatures below 20 deg. f.  The cords become very brittle and will fracture. The smaller the cord, the faster this will happen. Do not attempt to use or move plugs from the power strip closer to the door.

Step 1: Get the portable heater in the corner, at the top of the stairs for the daylight basement.
Step 2: Place the heater on the bricks behind the pellet stove and plug it into the little outlet extension to the left of the stove.
Step 3: Turn the heater on, making sure it’s on level 2, securely placed flat on the bricks.
Step 4: Make sure it’s faced directly at the back of the stove and safely sitting only on the bricks (flat and centered). Allow the heater to run one hour for temperatures above 0 degrees, and two hours for temperatures below 0 degrees.
Step 5: Start the stove, after the one or two hours time, verifying it fires up.
Step 6: Carefully Unplug the portable heater allowing the stiff cord to remain in its frozen shape (do not fold or roll). Place the heater back inside. Once the cord becomes soft again, roll it back up and return the heater to the corner. If it’s left outside, it will also not work!

This process has been tested successfully in temperatures down to -25. Although it’s not 100% ideal, this is an example of what Alaskan’s do with each day to make things work in our extreme conditions.