Palmer Station SitRep for Period Ending 27 Dec 78

  1. Fuel Consumption: 1675/Tank one 97,531/Tank two 120,889/Total DFM on hand (less day tanks) 218,420/Day tanks 6,000.
  2. Station population 28/Hero 18.
  3. Power Readings: High 98.4 KVA/Low 46.2 KVA/ Avg 76.2 KVA.
  4. Weather: High temp 5C(25)/Low temp –1C(21,22,23)/Avg temp 1C/High pressure 994.5 MB (21) / Low pressure 965.0 MB (26) / Avg pressure 978.0 MB/peak wind 13 m/s at 30 deg (25) / Avg wind 4 m/s prevailing wind dir 220 deg/avg cld cvr 10/10 nmbr of clear days 0/ nmbr prtly cldy days 1.05 / nmber cldy days 5.95 / nmbr days visibility less then 400 mtrs 0.
  5. Christmas week at Palmer saw several major station projects underway and steadily gaining momentum. The enthusiasm behind this push is that of a team glad to be on top of tons of cargo at last, able to dig into projects with more tangible/obvious results. It was thought that George Fitzsimmons was responsible for the tow new labs that appeared miraculously beside the boatshop, as the carpentry closely resembled that of a lab bench that he had built for the wet lab early in the week. S-028 (Baust) scientific personnel have already set up shop in one of the new spaces as finish work goes on around them.
    Painting of the GWR building got rolling on 23 Dec but damp weather and snow hampered efforts, and only part of the roof was painted. Mike burrow is finishing up plumbing under the front building after completing work on the main sewer line. Pat Kraker has been checking and redoing the heat tape throughout the station.
    John Wells traced a transmitting problem to a weathered fitting on the conical monopole antenna and a new part was machined. A j-pole antenna for marine band VHF was erected on the roof of the BioLab. Duane Ness Overhauled one of the skimobiles and has organized generator and tractor parts in anticipation of the upcoming engine rebuilds.
    The cargo area behind the GWR is being arranged for better winter access. Allen Cull completed his reorganization of the food storage areas. Work continued in the general supply where a qualitative inventory is taking shape.
    The Christmas holiday was a chance for all hands to recharge and reflect. A wonderful Christmas dinner and ample Christmas cheer made it a memorable get together.
    Equipment causality: Caterpillar 910 Wheel loader down with defective water pump. Requires replacement part from Conus.
    Happy New Year!
    Konecki