News

Science Operations:

• I-163 (Raymond & Matsuoka -Radar ice anisotropy) has extended their visit at camp from 3 days to likely 10 days due to weather and delays in preparation. Camp staff is supporting the group with meals and heated space (where available).
• I-177 (Sowers-Firn gas) is scheduled to arrive in camp by end of this week or early next; this group will likely experience a short delay in McM.
• I-188 (Gogineni-Basal conditions and internal layers) schedule remains the same.

LC-130 Fixed Wing Operations:

• Two days of blowing snow at WAIS has shut down all LC-130 operations.
• McM weather forecast for tomorrow is poor; WAIS improving.
• Materials to camp have been delayed with each cancelled flight.
• Missions completed to date: 28 of 49
• Flights to WAIS are scheduled daily this week. Cargo and Pax movements for the next week of flights have been arranged by the Fixed Wing Coordinators and are in place.

Camp:

• Recent weather delays have impacted camp construction efforts due to high winds, blowing snow, and cancelled cargo flights.
• Major snow drifting has developed around camp, cargo, and skiway. It is estimated that one full day is needed to dig out main structures, cargo, and regroom skiway.
• Main bottleneck for increasing camp population is the delay finishing the new galley.
• Current camp population of 29 is sustained by a temporary 8 sect. galley RacTent which is maxed out for serving meals.
• New galley is required before increasing the camp population significantly.
• Main electrical power supply is expected to be up and running once the majority of electrical wiring can be completed. Camp is running off several small, portable generators.

Arches:

• Snow foundation stopped for two days from weather due to lack of visibility from blowing snow and the need to prepare camp, cargo, and equipment for storm.
• Snow foundation is approximately 60% completed prior to storm.
• Good snow density values have been measured ( slightly below 0.60 g/cm³)
• Snow foundation to resume once weather improves, arch construction is expected to begin within 5 days once weather improves.

ICDS Power Requirement Review:

• Sandy Singer, Pat Haggerty, Dave Oliver, and John Rand will be traveling to Madison, Wisconsin for meetings with ICDS on Dec. 7 & 8. They will assess the power requirements of the DISC Drill with Alex and team to better size the generators.
• John Rand has been instrumental with the planning of this visit.