Dig quick pits on your ascent.
A hasty pit is a hole dug in the snow that helps you identify weak and strong layers. If you suspect that there may be a weak layer buried deeply, you should always dig below that point. Otherwise a hole about one meter (3 ft) deep should be sufficient.
Once you dig the hole, you will be able to see major layers on the wall of the snow pit. You can detect hard strong layers and soft weak layers by poking the exposed layers in the wall of the pit with your finger, or by brushing the pit wall with your hand and looking for hard and less hard layers. You can also slide a credit card or ruler down through the layers and note the changes in resistance. An additional indicator that will help you identify layers that otherwise may be hard to detect is the shovel shear.
The more observations you make and stability tests you perform the more apt you are to accurately assess the stability.
Relying on one piece of data is like getting married on your first date. Sometimes it works, but generally it's not a good idea.
Where should I dig a pit?
It can be difficult to choose a place to dig a pit. Choose a representative spot and a safe spot that has undisturbed snow conditions similar to the slope you want to ride. In other words, you don't want to dig in an area that is wind scoured, has a big cornice, machine tracks, or bunches of vegetation. Dig on a slope small enough that even if it slides you will not get hurt or, if you are on a larger slope, take precautions such as a roped belay. Work your way down the slope on portions 30 degrees or less. You can also skirt tree lines or stay on sub-ridges that parallel the slope. The actual pit should ideally be on a slope 30 degrees or steeper. Ask yourself these questions: