![]() The characteristics of snow which are of greatest interest to the soldier are-Ī. The snowdrifts created by wind usually make the snow surface wavy, slowing down movement, especially in darkness. In addition, as the wind, increases, the effect of extreme cold (windchill effect) on the body may slow down or temporarily stop movement, possibly requiring troops to take shelter. All troop movement is greatly affected by drifting snow and wind, the effect depending on the relative direction and velocity. The higher the wind velocity and the lighter the snow, the greater the tendency to drift. Another effect of wind is that of drifting the snow. Under such conditions, skiing and snowshoeing are very difficult. Warm wind followed by freezing temperatures may create an icy, unbreakable crust on the snow. Wind-packed snow may become so hard that skiing or even walking on it makes no appreciable impression on its surface. After sunset, however, wet snow usually refreezes and the ease of movement improves.Ĭ. Movement from sunlit areas into shaded areas is difficult because the wet snow will freeze to skis and snowshoes. When this occurs, dry powder snow is generally found in shaded areas and wet snow in sunlight areas. In the springtime, sunlight may melt the surface of the snow even though the air temperature is below freezing. Lowered night temperatures may refreeze wet snow and form an icy crust on the surface.ī. Temperatures above freezing cause wet snow conditions. As the temperature rises, the snow tends to compact more readily. In general, the lower the temperature, the drier the snow and the less consolidation. These changes are caused by effects of temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind.Ī. As the snowmass on the ground packs and becomes denser, the snowflakes consolidate and the entrapped air is expelled. Newly fallen snow undergoes many alterations on the ground. Snowflakes are formed from water vapor, at or below 32° F., without passing through the liquid water state. Rates are given for movement over flat or gently rolling terrain while individuals are carrying a rifle and loaded rucksack. However, as a guide, the following rates are listed. (2) Rates of movement over snow-covered terrain cannot be given in exact time requirements. Snowshoes are more suitable than skis in confined areas, when working close to heavy weapons, or when training time is limited. Cross-country movement by soldiers on skis can be facilitated by towing the skiers with tracked vehicles or animals (skijoring). Using skis, he is normally able to execute long marches with less effort and in less time than when using snowshoes. When operating in snow-covered terrain the soldier must be equipped with either skis or snowshoes at all times. (1) The means available to the individual soldier for obtaining oversnow mobility are skis and snowshoes. Use of Oversnow Equipment to Achieve Mobility. (2) In order to execute his mission with the least wasted effort, the soldier must apply the proper techniques of skiing and snowshoeing required for the various conditions under which he will operate.Ĭ. Carrying a rucksack-and a weapon, he will be required to move in forests, over open terrain, uphill and downhill, and often while pulling a sled. He will be moving and operating in different weather and snow conditions. (1) During cross-country marches and in combat the soldier on skis or snowshoes will be required to negotiate various types of terrain conditions. Skis, on the other hand, provide individual mobility usually exceeding that possible on foot. By using snowshoes, individual mobility will be restored to a point approximately equal to that of foot movement on hard ground. Aggressive action can be carried out with advantage against the enemy flanks, rear, or communication lines by lightly equipped, fast-moving troops on skis. They are ideally suited for reconnaissance, security missions, and deep penetration patrols conducting unconventional type operations. Troops on skis attain mobility, are not roadbound, and are able to move cross-country over all types of snow-covered terrain. In deep snow (61 cm (2') or greater in depth) the individual has almost no mobility without the aid of skis or snowshoes. Well-trained ski and snowshoe troops are a definite asset on the snow-covered battlefield. (1) Warfare in snow-covered areas requires oversnow mobility off the roads. (2) Maintenance and care of that equipment. ![]() (1) Equipment available for military skiing and snowshoeing. (2) Application of these techniques to facilitate the oversnow mobility of troops engaged in military operations. (1) Techniques used in military skiing and snowshoeing. The purpose of this chapter is to provide information concerning.
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