Condition Fun

By Peter Kimball

McMurdo Station uses three weather "conditions" to define weather-related travel restrictions.  They are:

Weather Condition 3:
Unrestricted travel and activity are allowed.

• Winds less than 48 knots, and
  
• Visibility greater than or equal to ¼ mile, and
  
• Wind chill temperature warmer than -75°F. 

Severe Weather Condition 2:
Restricted pedestrian traffic only between buildings is allowed. Vehicular travel is only allowed in radio equipped, enclosed vehicles, and check out with the Firehouse is required.

• Winds 48 to 55 knots sustained for one minute, or
  
• Visibility less than ¼ mile, but greater than or equal to 100 feet sustained for one minute, or
  
• Wind chill -75°F to -100°F sustained for one minute. 

Severe Weather Condition 1:
Severe weather is in progress. All personnel must remain in buildings or the nearest shelter.

• Winds greater than 55 knots sustained for one minute, or
  
• Visibility less than 100 feet sustained for one minute, or
  
• Wind chill greater than -100°F sustained for one minute. 
  

We've had Condition 1 a few times here so far.  When Condition 1 struck McMurdo tonight, we were stranded in the galley for 45 minutes (not too bad).  But, because people can end up stranded in all kinds of strange places when Condition 1 hits, there is a famous McMurdo band called "Condition Fun".  I think that's an amazing name, and I've borrowed it for the title of this post.  Check out their original song, C-17.

Here's a photo I took of the steps into the galley after a Condition 1 storm.

The steps into building 155 are covered in ice and snow following a Condition 1 weather event. (photo: Peter Kimball)