How long should sulfur casting remain in place when casting a footwear impression in snow?

When casting a footwear impression in snow, it is recommended that the sulfur casting remains in place for approximately 1 hour. This duration allows for sufficient time for the sulfur to adequately harden and take on the exact details of the impression. The casting material must thoroughly react and solidify, ensuring that all intricate features of the footwear print, including texture and detail, are captured accurately.

If the casting is removed too quickly, before it has had enough time to set, there is a risk that it may not retain the details properly, leading to a loss of crucial evidence. Conversely, leaving it for longer than necessary may not produce any additional benefits in terms of detail capture. Thus, 1 hour strikes an optimal balance for ensuring a successful cast while maintaining the integrity of the footwear impression in the snow.