There is a pressing need for a high-elevation winter field station in North America (see list of Barcroft Projects for some current examples). Modern technology is now available to make safe, efficient winter operations possible even at remote, extreme-environment facilities such as those at Barcroft. WMRS is committed to transforming Barcroft to year-round operations, and has carried out extensive planning, including a trial winter season in 2003-04 and establishment of the White Mountain Energy Project in cooperation with the Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) at UC Irvine.

1. One crucial step that has been taken is to improve reliability and efficiency of energy supply for the station, including alternative sources (see White Mountain Energy Project for details). The National Science Foundation has recognized this need and provided a grant of $255,000 to WMRS. However, this grant is completely spent and we need additional funds to complete later phases of the project.
2. Another step is to acquire a powerful all-terrain rubber-treaded snowcat capable of snow removal (see "February 2005 snowcat trip" news story). This machine is needed to allow access during deep snow conditions such as those that prevailed in the winters of 2004-05, 05-06 and 07-08, when the "terra lite" snowcat was unable to operate.
3. Continuing upgrades to the high-speed wireless internet connection, primarily to increase bandwidth and reliability)
4. Improvements to the Barcroft Water Supply and Storage Tanks

We continue to apply for government grants to fund some of these projects, but grant funds are limited and there are many opportunities for private and foundation support. See Barcroft gift page for a list of needs.