[LeeL]

There was a thread that's now gone. I can't recall the title or I'd search to see if its cached somewhere. It had a ton of useful quick tests you could do while skiining up a route. One comes to mind - it was posted by wow and was about 2 - 3 minutes. Basically he would dig a pit like a dog and then do a quick snow test. Problem is - I can't recall what it is he was looking for or how to do the test.

Anyone remember this thread or the title? If you do please suggest the titles and I'll try to look for the thread.

[Jenny]

The Spacial (sic) variability thread has discussion on tests, including Wow digging quick little things with his hands and VT's Pole tests.

[AltaPowderDaze]

http://www.couloirmag.com/articles/avy/tremper_series/part1.asp


not what you asked for but still some good info




lee, he was looking for instability in the new snow layers. density inversions, crust layers, facets, etc.

[shredgar]

Good topic. Good link to Tremper's article, thanks APD.

Learned a "hasty rutschblock" test years ago from the guides on a heliski trip w/CMH out of Mica Creek.

Take off a ski, dig a trench, use the tail to cut the sides, hand ski to partner who steps above to cut the back & step on the block.

It's a quick test, only takes a couple minutes. The guides had already done the formal pit & profiles in the morning.

They'd do these all day long as we'd change aspects & exposures.
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[Ava Blanche]

Well, again here is the quick test that I use all the time: cutting out a block with your ski pole by scraping down as far as you can and then doing a simple shear test with your hand.



This appears to be very similar to what Bruce is doing in the Couloir picture; the only difference is that he has turned his pole upside down to dig more efficiently.



This takes less than a minute and is invaluable if you have already dug a normal pit and have a good idea of what the snowpack is doing.
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