Winter Hanging- It's not just your breath

[Roadtorque]

Frost forms when the surface temperature of the object (tarp) cools to a temperature colder than the dew point, and both are below freezing. (Really it's the same process when dew forms, just above freezing temperatures). The dew point is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated and can no longer hold more moisture. The warmer the temperature the more water the air can hold.

So accumulation of frost does vary with moisture levels and temperature. You are probably more likely to see frost on your tarp at near freezing temperatures than you are at temps well below freezing, due to the amount of moisture the air can hold.

[Roadtorque]

Think of a Solar Still. Water vapor under tarp rising and condensing on inside of tarp fabic and when conditions are right, it then freezes.

No, this is likely a very different principle at work here.

[OutandBack]

Frost forms when the surface temperature of the object (tarp) cools to a temperature colder than the dew point, and both are below freezing. (Really it's the same process when dew forms, just above freezing temperatures). The dew point is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated and can no longer hold more moisture. The warmer the temperature the more water the air can hold.

So accumulation of frost does vary with moisture levels and temperature. You are probably more likely to see frost on your tarp at near freezing temperatures than you are at temps well below freezing, due to the amount of moisture the air can hold.

Great explanation, makes perfect sense. thanks

Now the question of what to do about it or how to live with it.

I'm thinking I'll raise my ridgeline somewhere between 6-7' then add the porch mod to one side.
This should keep me from bumping the tarp causing the snow storm to rain down on the sleeping bag.

Anyone have other ideas, suggestion.

[clb]

I experienced this on my gear test last weekend. My tarp was set pretty low since the wind was a factor, the first time I got up to go inside I got showered with ice crystals!
Thanks for the explanation. I knew it was more than condensation from my breath, as it covered the entire tarp.

Leigh

[Roadtorque]

Great explanation, makes perfect sense. thanks

Now the question of what to do about it or how to live with it.

I'm thinking I'll raise my ridgeline somewhere between 6-7' then add the porch mod to one side.
This should keep me from bumping the tarp causing the snow storm to rain down on the sleeping bag.

Anyone have other ideas, suggestion.

Go out on colder nights and it will be less of a problem. In all seriousness a small breeze/air movement through the tarp should help a lot.

[TinaLouise]

Go out on colder nights and it will be less of a problem. In all seriousness a small breeze/air movement through the tarp should help a lot.

this is exactly what I went though this past weekend. First night sleet with temps around 30. Next morning the under side of my tarp looked like the top side. There was enough frozen stuff on the underside to look like it'd also been sleeted on.

Next night, lower temps (17-18) and windy. Hardly any condensation (frozen or otherwise) on the underside of my tarp.

(course these lower temps and wind also comes with more problems)

TinaLouise