Evaluation and Recommendations for Snowdrift Control at FAA ILS Facilities, Barrow and Deadhorse, Alaska.

This report describes the existing snowdrifting conditions at the Barrow and Deadhorse airfields and makes recommendations for minimizing the drifting snow at the ILS facilities. The problem of drifting snow at the localizer and glide slope facilities is a result of the structures themselves creating drifts and causing outages. The most economical method of eliminating the problem at the glide slope is relocation of the instrument shelters such that they are not in line with the antenna masts and the prevailing wind direction. The localizer snowdrifts are caused by the bulkiness of the supporting structure carrying the antenna although it is elevated on piles severe turbulence develops behind the structure and the snow deposits. Wooden snowfences, 10 ft high, in the parallel rows 200 ft apart will control the snow during an average snow year. If snow fences are ruled out, a new structural design is needed, with minimal cross-sectional area, and widely spaced piles to minimize the buildup. Model studies of each alternative method were carried out to validate the various proposals. Author