The Wrath of Mother Nature
It was not unusual to experience damage at Pinetree Line radar stations due to high winds. What is unusual is the apparent lack of a compiled document that provides details indicating "what happened, where, and when". This file contains a summary of "significant" Pinetree Line radar station "wind damage" that is known, and documented, to have occurred in Moisie, QC.
The following detail has been taken from the Narrative Reports for RCAF Station Moisie.
1964
The main CE Section had to put up with several storms with snow pushed by winds of 80, 90 and even 100 miles per hour. These storms brought on power failures which on one occasion resulted in the loss of the bubble on the old FPS-502. On another occasion the wind ripped the roof covering and some insulation from the combine mess. During the winter months however the road to town was closed only on some four days because of snow and two days at Christmas because of ice.
There is no doubt in my mind that there have been other examples of "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage" which has taken place. As an example, I keep hearing about the Saglek situation – where their height finder was an apparent victim. This unit was located at the edge of a 1,800 foot cliff – so you can imagine the damage to any radar equipment that "went over the side". I continue to hope that some day, some one will provide some "official detail" – and then we will be able to add this occurrence to our list.
If you have any knowledge of other "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage", please help us out and pass the detail to us – via an email message. Many thanks.