Multi-Use Research Facility

SPL is used by scientists and students studying atmospheric sciences from Colorado State University, City College of New York, University of Wisconsin, and University of Wyoming, as well as middle school students from Steamboat Springs and other nearby communities. Dr. Ward Hindman, a professor from the City College of New York, who has brought his classes to the lab for years, recently donated $10,000 to SPL for a specially equipped snowmobile. Built to order, this vehicle will be used to move equipment and people up and down the rugged terrain in the winter.

High elevation and thin atmosphere make SPL an advantageous location to study exposure of ultraviolet radiation to humans, plants, and microbes, especially in connection to the reflective properties of snow and clouds. This research, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is led by DRI faculty member Dr. Melanie Wetzel . In addition, Dr. Wetzel serves as the director of the atmospheric sciences graduate program at the University of Nevada , Reno, and SPL is used as an adjunct field classroom for intensive studies in meteorology.

Borys says the lab's outstanding location and onsite research facilities are in demand by numerous federal and university researchers. To accommodate this demand, there is an ambitious program underway to expand the range of research topics pursued at SPL. An article has been written describing SPL, past and current research activities conducted at SPL, possibilities for the future research endeavors, and availability of SPL to interested users. For additional information, Drs. Borys, Lowenthal, and Wetzel can be contacted as follows.

Dr. Randy Borys—(970) 897-8796 or e-mail to Randy.Borys@dri.edu .

Dr. Doug Lowenthal—(775) 674-7047 or e-mail to Doug.Lowenthal@dri.edu .

Dr. Melanie Wetzel—(775) 674-7024 or e-mail to Melanie.Wetzel@dri.edu .