Laboratory tests were conducted to determine snow permeability with diesel fuel for different densities and two temperatures, -18 deg. C and -29 deg. C. In addition, the amount of diesel fuel retained in the snow after each test was measured. A falling-head set-up was used to test for permeability. Retained diesel concentration values were determined using gas chromatography. All tests were conducted on laboratory compacted snow samples in a cold room environment. The influence of snow density on permeability and diesel fuel retention were investigated, and correlations between snow permeability and diesel fuel retention with snow density were developed. Results indicate that a sudden drop in permeability occured for densities greater than 0.42 g/cc. This is consistent with similar observations for based on limited published test data. Moreover, the diesel fuel retained concentration is significantly higher for snow densities smaller than 0.42 g/cc. This observed behavior could be attributed to a change in structure of the compacted snow from flocculated at densities lower than 0.42 g/cc into more granular and single-grained for higher densities. The influence of test temperature on permeability and diesel fuel retention seems to be insignificant.

Zyde Raad
Student, Lathrop High School
P.O.Box 750130
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775
Telephone (907)474-7497
E-Mail: FFLR@AURORA.ALASKA.EDU

Mark Tumeo
Associate Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775