Why did this ground rod fail?

[RichCor]

Well, I've spend a muddy hour or so mucking (literally) around in the bottom of our 12" deep earth pit, failed miserably to find the old rod.

I may not have gone deep enough and not knowing exactly where the rod is doesn't help.

I'll just keep a good eye on the new rod.

Seems very odd that there would be NO trace of the previous rod, no residual chemical material or discoloration left behind in the earth. Completely vaporized?

If not, why would thieves steal a sunken ground rod and then go to the trouble of correctly installing a short spike?

[Crossy]

I probably didn't go deep enough to find the old rod, it's not in an accessible location.

If anyone wants to come and dig up our earth pit they're more than welcome.

[harrry]

I probably didn't go deep enough to find the old rod, it's not in an accessible location.

If anyone wants to come and dig up our earth pit they're more than welcome.

I have a dog that likes digging. Do you want him?

[seedy]

I wonder how long an unprotected steel plate will last.

I must admit to being surprised too. But as the ground is frozen solid for over 6 months a year, maybe this is acceptable.

This allowance was from the power company themselves, not a residential electrician.