June 6, 2018

A snowy day all in white

J.P. in the new ramp extension, just before it is opened again to the outside.

In the last two days, we have got a lot of new snow. Everything is soft outside and all old tracks are gone. There are new snowdrifts everywhere. At the same time, the overcast removed all contrast, so one had to walk very carefully not to stumble on a snowdrift or into a hole.
It has stayed warm all day, and the forecast for tomorrow predicts still warm temperatures, high winds and more snow. We have therefore decided to cancel the planned flight tomorrow and postpone it to Friday. This will also give us a chance to groom the skiway, which is already now covered with a layer of new snow. The contrast today was so poor, we could not groom the skiway. On the surface and in the trenches, work continues independent of the weather.

What we did today:

1. Drilling six runs. Drillers’ depth 1028 m.
2. Extension of entrance ramp is completed.
3. Packing balloon equipment for retrograde to Kangerlussuaq.
4. Ice core processing today 25.85 m, bags 1188 – 1234 (652.85 m – 678.70 m).
5. Measurements in isotope laboratory.
6. Measurements in physical properties laboratory.
7. Water vapour sampling and measuring.
8. Surface snow sampling.

Ad.1: Several intact 3+ m cores drilled.

Weather today: Overcast and snow, in the evening slightly clearing. Temp. -4 ºC to -10 ºC. Wind: 4 kt to 14 kt from SW and WSW. Visibility: 2-5 km, during snowfall down to 500m. Poor surface contrast all day, except evening.

FL, J.P. Steffensen