Recent frigid temperatures caused delays and closures at many locations across the state. Officials say operations at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead were not hampered though, despite wind-chills that reached more than twenty below zero.
Constance Walter is the Director of Communications at the lab. She says the cold weather had little to no impact, and it was business as usual for the scientists.
“We have the Ross shaft and we have the Yates shaft and the Yates shaft is the one that is used by researchers and others to go down into the laboratory space and we have gas-fired heaters that keep those shafts warm and help prevent the build-up of ice,” says Walter.
Walter says the hoist and hoist cables are constantly monitored. She says staff members are trained to keep a sharp eye out for any conditions that may cause concern. Walter adds that no science experiments were affected by the weather as they are too far underground to be exposed to the elements.