Accumulation Update

Despite a snowy September, 2011-12 accumulation to the end of February is very close to average, at ~1.8 meters so far for the season. As previously described, October and November yielded no net accumulation, whereas an interval of a couple weeks in mid-February illustrates the near-daily snowfall typical of the wet season in the Vilcanota:  between the 10th and 26th (inclusive) there were only 3 days without accumulation, with snowfall days averaging 4.7cm and a median of 3.8cm.

2011 Fieldwork Photos

Fieldwork in 2011 was productive, interesting, and fun. We began in Cusco at the end of June, meeting up with several collaborators before departing for the Cordillera Vilcanota. Our first night out was at only 4,400m, yet accumulating snowfall began as we were putting up the tents. Although snow at lower elevations melted quickly, high wind and blowing snow during our first couple days on the glacier made work nearly impossible. Fortunately, sufficient time was budgeted to get everything done, and during 6 days at the summit we raised the weather station tower, serviced existing and added new instrumentation, and conducted snowpit measurements. Joining us in camp for some of the time were Lonnie Thompson, Henry Brecher, Keith Mountain and others, which was great.

Many aspects of the field season are depicted here, beginning in Cusco. Above photo courtesy Keith Mountain (Univ. Louisville).