The patterns of unusual traffic at S4 Papoose Lake can reveal a great deal about the goings-on at this site. First we start with measuring the distance between tire tracks, so we can get some idea of the different types of vehicles being operated there. Unsurprisingly, many are ~96" wide (consistent with a Blue Bird school bus). There are also measurements both wider and thinner, indicating a variety of vehicles operating in the area. This tracks with what a preponderance of evidence already says is true. It is important to note these are not random tracks. Altho some clearly do not head directly to S4, many originate in the same location and terminate at S4. The eastern shore of the dry lake bed shows significant activity, with quite a few vehicles following along the shore until reaching a spot near a natural wash, which evidence indicates they use to access the eastern shore from the dry lake bed. The overlaying and side-by-side tracks indicate someone isn't just driving there, but a bunch of someone's are driving to the same place on numerous occasions. This, too, tracks with what we know about S4. Because we just recently started getting true high resolution imagery of the site, it will be difficult to assess patterns and change over time. As newer imagery continues to come in, this will no doubt make the task of finding and validating tracks even easier. For now, I'll share what is currently visible and how they relate to the overall (updated accurate) topographical map. Since we do know the lake gets flooded on an annual basis, it is fair to assume at least some of those tracks are fresh. Studies of the area's hydrology would be likely to bare fruit in this respect. The search continues. submitted by /u/Crafty_Whereas6733 [link] [comments]