Snow Survey Sampling Guide

For Special Conditions - Snow Freezing in Tube

If snow melts and freezes in the point of the sampler and the entire core does not enter the tube, it is probably because the tube is above freezing temperature and the snow below freezing. The following steps can help you meet this difficulty:

1. Cool the tube by setting it in the shade or burying it in the snow.
2. Clean the tube thoroughly, then push it rapidly through the snow without stopping until you reach ground surface.
3. Take samples in the early morning or evening when it is cool

If these precautions do not help, follow these steps:

1. Thrust the tube as deeply as possible without stopping.
2. Remove the tube carefully so as not to disturb the hole.
3. Record the core length and weight.
4. Empty the tube and return it carefully to the bottom of the hole.
5. Again thrust the tube deeper into the snow until it stops or reaches the ground.
6. Repeat as many times as necessary to reach the ground.

Record data as shown on sample note for "Tubes Too Short for Depth of Snow" .