The Development of Snow Properties and Its Effect on Trafficability.
Abstract
The properties of a given snowpack were monitored throughout a winter season in order to identify some of the factors most affecting vehicle mobility over snow. This activity was carried out as an aid to developing an improved snow classification system for purposes of mobility and to assess the use of snow strength testing devices as part of such a system. Snowpit data were collected at the Land Engineering Test Establishment, DND Ottawa, during the winter of 1976-77 in combination with penetrometer tests of snow strength and studies of the tractive performance of an RN25-35 tracked carrier. It was found that temperature and free water content are the snow factors which are highly transient while changes in depth, density, grain size distribution, grain shape, crustal layer and bearing strength are usually perceptible over a period of days to weeks. As the winter season progresses snow strength undergoes a general increase with snow density while snow temperature approaches uniformity and crusts become more numerous. Grain shape and size distribution are indicative of the stages of snow metamorphism. Penetrometer shortcomings are enumerated with a recommendation for greater automation in snow strength testing. Recommendations are also made for the most convenient environmental conditions for purposes of comparing the performance of vehicles. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086441
Entities
People
- Gerald J. Irwin
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada