At the beginning of the season, snowmakers have to drag 30-foot hoses behind their snowmobiles to store in the on-hill lean-tos.  The hoses are screwed into the base of the gun, then into the hydrant.  Each hydrant unit is fitted with regulators and valves to control the amount of air and water.  By altering air to water ratios and temperatures, it is possible to create different kinds of artificial snow depending on the conditions.  At the beginning of the season, the resort tries to build up as deep a base as possible, which provides protection from mid-winter thaws as well as prolongs rock-free spring skiing conditions.  During midseason, in the absence of natural snow, the smaller East coast resorts tend to get skied out.  In response, snowmakers adapt their settings to produce light, fluffy powder.