Palmer Station SitRep for Period Ending 28 Feb 79

1. Fuel Consumption: 1340 /Tank one 78,929/Tank two 114,226/Total DFM on hand (less day tanks) 193,155/Day tanks 6,000.
2. Station population 21/Hero 14
3. Power Readings: High 91.3 VA/Low 58.8 KVA/ Avg 85.3 KVA.
4. Weather: High temp 5C(22,23)/Low temp -3C(28)/Avg temp 1C/High pressure .1005.2MB (27)/ Low pressure 972.8 MB (24) / Avg pressure 986.2 MB/peak wind 15 m/s at 10 deg (28)/ Avg wind 3 m/s prevailing wind dir 30 deg/avg cld cvr 9/10 nmbr of clear days 0/ nmbr prtly cldy days 1.75 / nmber cldy days 5.25 / nmbr days visibility less then 400 mtrs 0.
5. Anvers Island has taken on a definite wintry cast. Blustery weather with frequent snow squalls again tried to hamper outdoor efforts. The KARP (Krill Aquaria Roofing Project) is progressing well despite the elements. The KARL II roof is nearly completed and withstood rigorous wind testing in 50 knot gusts Wednesday night. KARP for KARL I will be ready for the erection of pre-built trusses (Pat Pending) whenever mother Antarctica gives us a break. Pat Kraker and Jerry Kiewatt repaired an automatic tide recorder which had not been working for many years. It proved to be quite accurate, and will allow us to collect tide data throughout the winter months. John Heg prepared retrograde for RRS Bransfield. The ship is planning to call at Palmer two times in March. The BAS Doppler program transmitting equipment was disassembled and crated for its return to England by Don Wiggin. Jon Wells successfully repaired the 10 kw transmitter and it is back on line. High winds and a storm on Friday soaked the two outboard engines on a Zodiac that was secured for the night on cormorant island so badly that they would not start. Pat Moriarty dried out the motors, flushed them with oil and put them back in running order. Word was received from BAS Faraday that the yacht Damien II was freed from ice near Adelaide Island and has begun her trip northward. Yachts Williwaw and Isatis have also headed for warmer climates. R/V Hero is presently steaming for Palmer with the last of our resupply before winter and two S-034 whale observers aboard. They estimate their arrival at the station on the evening of 2 March. Best wishes to our colleagues at McMurdo, Siple and South Pole for a successful winter. Last minutes shoppers – Palmer is still open!
   Warm regards, Konecki