Are you a little rusty on how to dig a snowpit and evaluate snow stability? Or maybe you're still doing old-school shovel shear tests instead of ECTs (extended column tests) and PCTs (propagation saw tests).BCAs education partner, the American Avalanche Institute (AAI) has released some concise new videos on state-of-the-art snow stability testing: how to do compression tests and extended column tests, and how to efficiently locate, dig, and document your study pit.
Of course, you shouldn't base any route-finding decisions on anyone stability test: these should be used only to get hands-on experience with the snowpack and to verify the avalanche forecast in your region. Snowpits and stability test results can vary significantly from one site to another, so a single pit is not enough info to dictate your route: it's best to get the big picture from your local avalanche bulletin and plan your route accordingly. To fully understand how to interpret an avalanche bulletin and stability tests, take an avalanche course from AAI or AIARE.
Take a look at these videos, hosted by AAI co-owner and BCA friend Sarah Carpenter:
Extended Column Test
Learn how to do an extended column test (ECT), an essential stability test for assessing weak layer strength and propagation propensity in the snowpack.
Compression Test
Learn how to do a compression test (CT), an essential stability test for assessing the snowpack.
Snowpit Digging: Where and How
Learn how to choose the best location to dig a snowpit, and some tricks and tips for digging along the way.