Analyze Snow Stability
Many experienced and skilled people get caught in avalanches. The best way to be sure you are basing your decisions on natural factors rather than human factors is to follow a systematic, accepted and repeatable snow stability evaluation process.
Identify Red Flags
Learn what clues in the backcountry can indicate increased avalanche danger.
Dig A Pit
We should all dig snow pits and perform stability tests along with making observations and indentifying Red Flags. Occasionally there will be no easily recognizable Red Flags yet the snow pack may still be unstable; that is why your backcountry protocol should always include frequently digging snow pits and performing snow stability tests.
Shovel Shear Test
This test can be done on a flat or on a slope. With good technique, the location of weak layers, even thin weak layers, can be found.
Compression Test
Dig a snow pit in a representative location and conducting a stability test. Join backcountry experts for a first hand look at snow stability tests. |
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Rustchblock Test
tests a larger area than the compression or tap test and it may provide more accurate results. |
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