Snow Density Kit

Always close the protective cover on the scale before transporting. The scale has sensitive load cells that may be permanently damaged if too much pressure is applied. Damaging pressures may easily result during field use when the scale is carried in a rucksack or by other transport means.

The scales are not recommended by the manufacturer for cold weather use, but we have yet to have a problem with this model. If it does become apparent that it is too cold, place the scale inside your parka for a few minutes to warm up the unit. It also helps to put a spare battery in a warm pocket and change it when you are certain that it is warm. Always carry two extra new 9 volt batteries for this purpose.

Water may damage the electonics in the scale. Be careful not to allow snow or water into the scale through
theholes for the tray. After each use, be sure to open the case to allow the interior of the case and scale to dry. Do not heat the scale to dry it.

Before going to the field, weigh the density cutter and write the weight on the cutter in permanent marker.
This can then be used as a periodic check for scale accuracy in the field to insure that the measurements you are getting are not bogus. If the readings are different than the value you have written on your cutter, check your battery or replace it with your spare, and weigh the cutter again. Warming the scale may also alleviate the problem. If the readings continue to be bogus, complete your work with a spring scale and determine the cause of the digital scale failure once you have left the field. Do not count on measurements being “close” if the scale reading is not true to your check. Discrepancies of several grams (5-10) may be due to ice on the cutter or temperature effects on the electronics in the scale and are not significant.

The putty knife is useful for cleaning the cutter between measurements when the snow is prone to freezing.
In a warm snowpack it is often sufficient to just dump out the sample. The cutter lid may also be used to
clean the cutter. Do not bang the lid on the cutter to remove snow.

The scale may be used with or without the zero function. If you choose to use it, turn on the scale, place the empty cutter on the tray, push zero and wait a few seconds, take the sample from the snowpit wall, place the cutter back on the tray with the sample in the cutter, and read off the density directly in kg m-3 (if using the 1000 cc cutter). If you do not use the zero function, you must subtract the weight of the empty cutter from your measurements to obtain the correct density. It is often easier to use the zero function, but the disadvantage is that with the automatic shut-off, you must re-tare the empty cutter if you wait too long between measurements. See the enclosed directions particular to the scale for further information on its use.

There is room in the plastic case to carry a spare spring scale, plastic bag for the spring scale samples, tape measure, folding rule, thermometers, hand lens, crystal card, etc. Customize your case as you see fit.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or problems concerning sampling snow density in general or this
sampler in particular, please feel free to call or write.



snowmetrics.com
box 332 • fort collins, colorado • 80522
phone/fax • (970) 482-4279
snow@frii.com