Dependence of Snow Cover Strength on Density and Temperature: An Experimental Study Using the Ball-Stamp Method

The study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of snow density and temperature on its bearing capacity to optimize the design of winter infrastructure facilities in Arctic regions. Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions in the Moscow State University cold storage laboratory using the ball-stamp method, using artificial snow and firn samples with densities of 150–700 kg/m3 at temperatures ranging from – 20 to 0 °C. It was found that snow strength (equivalent adhesion) increases exponentially with decreasing temperature, reaching 80 kPa at − 20°C and a density of 700 kg/m3. The results confirm the need to consider temperature and density parameters when designing winter roads and runways. The ball-stamp method is recommended for the rapid assessment of snow cover strength.