Snow sampling results with differing snow samplers

A report of field tests of snow sampling is presented, using same and different cutters, and three different types of tubes. The Feral Standard duraluminum tubes; the Bowman Plastic tubes and the Rosen thick wall aluminum tubes with smooth couplings. Data from 150 paired samples is analyzed in the test. Comparisons of water content data taken with the three different tubes varied in some respect, however in most cases the Federal sampler showed a greater amount, especially in snow of 70 to 80 inches deep and 40 percent density, where the tubes had to be rotated to cut the packed snow and ice. The inspection ports of the Federal tubes were found to be sufficiently large to scoop in sufficient snow to make the difference, while the 5/16 holes in the Bowman and Rosen did not seem to collect snow. The inside diameter of all cutters was checked and found to be very close to the standard 1.485 inches. The Rosen sampler was heavy and awkward. The Bowman sampler was difficult to drive in deep, dense snow due to the large couplings.