Backhoe vs Frozen Ground
Photo Details
- Date: December 18, 2025
- Time: 5:04 PM EST
- Weather: Cloudy, 50°F. Dusk conditions with fading light; warm day but deep ground frost.
- Phase: Electrical Service Installation – Frozen Ground Challenge
- View: Elevated view from house showing backhoe working between house and garage
Description
Documentation of the backhoe attempting to excavate the remaining trench section between the house and garage. Despite renting the largest available backhoe, the frozen ground conditions proved too challenging. After 30 minutes of effort, only approximately 3 feet of progress was made, leading to the decision to halt work until spring.
Visible Elements
- Compact backhoe/excavator with lights on (dusk conditions)
- Operator working bucket into frozen ground
- Wire spool and ladder staged nearby (from earlier work)
- Garage structure fully visible:
- Charcoal standing-seam metal roof complete
- Tyvek HomeWrap on all walls
- Open garage bays with temporary X-bracing
- Dormer windows installed
- Excavated material piled at dig site
- Snow cover on surrounding yard
- Fading daylight requiring equipment lights
- Red vehicle (owner’s) parked beside work area
Context
This photo captures the moment of decision. The early and deep freeze this December (approximately 10 inches of frost) caught contractors off guard. The ground away from the building’s thermal influence was impenetrable with available equipment. SLS Electric will return in spring 2026 to complete the trench and energize the garage electrical service.
Frozen Ground Details
- Frost depth: ~10 inches (unusually early and deep for December)
- Progress made: ~3 feet in 30 minutes
- Decision: Halt work, wait for spring thaw
- Impact: Garage electrical service delayed to spring 2026