Snowpack condition tests and avalanche hazard evaluation

Most of the tests are easy to perform and don’t take a lot of time. At the same time they give us information that can help us make correct evaluation of avalanche hazard. We are introducing three types of tests – the most quick and the most practicable on a terrain.

Ski-stick test . The ski-stick should be stuck slowly into the snow. This is the way to feel different layers of the snow. We must pay attention to the layers through which the ski-stick gets very easy – if they are in deep they may be formed by large and weak bounded crystals or white frost. If such layers are found, it is necessary to dig a snow profile in order to see what type is the snow and what is its bounding with the rest of the snow pack.

This test takes a few minutes and has to be performed during traveling. This is a way to get information about the snowpack condition on different terrains.

Small steep slopes test . If during the traveling you notice a small steep slope that will not be very dangerous if it falls, it can be tested by jumping. It is very important to make a correct evaluation of the slope – whether it is small – since the mass of the snow slabs is very large. For example, slopes with the length of 3-4 m are suitable.

Digging a snow profile . The digging of snow profile will give you information about the layers of the snowpack and the type of the snow in them. The easiest way to dig a snow profile is using a shovel. In order to get correct information the snow profile should be dug on a terrain similar to the one we are going to travel on.

After digging we have to determine the types of the layers and the snow. It can be done by brushing with soft hat, gloves, brush etc. The border between the layers can be felt by a card (debit card, phone card etc.) when moving it lengthwise. We should pay attention whether there are very hard layers, what type is the snow above them and are there any parts with large crystals and white frost. The hardness of the thicker layers can be determined by sticking into the layer a fist (very soft layer); four fingers (soft layer); one finger (medium hard); pencil (hard); knife (very hard). For example, a medium hard layer on a very soft layer; thick very soft layer on a hard layer are very dangerous.