Scott, what is the environment around the snow stake?. Obviously it is put in a spot that is representative of the surrounding area. No branches above it but it looks like it is in the woods with perhaps clearing in front of it? On my property on windy days snow blows off my open fields into the forest along the perimeter. I would assume the edge of the forest may have a deeper depth do to that fact. A video would be interesting so that I could see the area around the stake.