How can footprints in snow be saved for analysis?

Answer 1

I found this on the web: It reads as if a red spray wax is first used, then dental plaster (like for making dentures) is poured into the footprint.
IMPRESSIONS AND CASTING SUPPLIES
Snow Print Wax - 4-1005
For footwear impressions or tire tracks in the snow, it is recommended that, prior to casting with dental stone, Snow Print WaxTM be sprayed into the impression. Snow Print WaxTM ""holds"" the details of the impression. Because the substance is waxy, it insulates the snow and prevents loss of footwear or tire track detail from the exothermic (heat producing) reaction of the hardening dental stone casting material.

The process is easy. Spray a few layers of Snow Print WaxTM in the impression in the snow, allowing each layer to dry for just a moment before adding another one. Make sure the whole footwear impression is completely covered with a moderate layer of Snow Print WaxTM.

Gently pour the prepared dental stone impression material onto the Snow Print WaxTM and allow it to harden. Perform the procedures of mixing, pouring and marking the dental stone as you normally would. A plastic bag can be used to mix and pour the dental stone. This way, you can discard the plastic bag.

Add sticks or other reinforcements and identify the casting. If your procedure includes adding sticks to improve structural integrity, do so. If you scratch in the date, case number and your initials, do so.

When the dental stone is cool and hard, carefully remove it from the indentation in the snow. The Snow Print WaxTM will adhere to the hardened dental stone casting material. The red color makes photography of the details in the dental stone easier to do than to try to photograph a totally white cast

.Since Snow Print WaxTM is red, spraying several layers on the impression allows for the superior photographic recording of the details in color before casting with dental stone. Also, it is a good warning sign to other persons at the crime scene, so they won't step on the impressions or drive their vehicles over the suspect tire tracks. See Tech Notes for more information.

One can of Snow Print WaxTM should produce about 7-10 prints, depending on the size of the impression..

Answer 2

Guard them with your life. Well, that is a hard one. You could try scooping them up on a flat surface and then moving them directly to a refrigerator. For analysis, your best bet would be taking really pictures, or freezing them until you can have the police come and check them out.
I hope this helped.

Answer 3

Photos would be easiest, but any liquid will likely melt the snow (plaster o paris generates heat while it hardens) but you might try a non-expanding insulation foam. Although if it is powdery snow I doubt anything would take..

Answer 4

good question...They can take the shoe print and match the shoe and the size by the people who bought the same shoes. Why did u do a crime? lol jk