Probes

An avalanche probe is a specialized, collapsible tool used to search for and locate people buried under snow after an avalanche. It’s an essential part of an avalanche safety kit, typically carried alongside an avalanche beacon and shovel. When you're in the backcountry and there's an avalanche, the goal is to quickly and accurately find a buried person to increase their chances of survival.

Here’s a closer look at the avalanche probe:

Purpose of an Avalanche Probe

  • Locating Buried Victims: The primary purpose of an avalanche probe is to locate someone buried in snow. Once you have an approximate location of the victim (using an avalanche beacon or visual clues), the probe is used to search through the snow to find the exact position and depth of the person.

  • Depth Assessment: The probe is also used to determine how deep someone is buried, which is important for assessing how much time you have to dig them out and the type of rescue approach you’ll need.

Key Features of an Avalanche Probe

  1. Collapsible Design: Avalanche probes are designed to be compact and lightweight for easy transport in your backpack. They typically collapse to a much shorter length when stored but can be extended to 8-10 feet (2.5–3 meters) or longer when in use.

  2. Material: They are made from lightweight yet strong materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, which allows them to be sturdy enough to penetrate the snow but light enough for easy handling.

  3. Depth Markers: Most avalanche probes have depth markers along the shaft, usually in centimeter or inch increments, to help rescuers determine how deep the victim is buried.

  4. Quick Deployment: The probes are designed for fast, easy deployment. Most have a locking system that lets you quickly extend and secure them with minimal effort.

  5. Pointed Tip: The tip of the probe is usually sharp or has a point, making it easier to penetrate hard snow layers and quickly locate a person buried underneath.

  6. Durability: Avalanche probes are built to handle tough conditions. They need to stand up to the harsh realities of avalanche rescue—snow, ice, and the stress of being thrust into the snow at different angles.

How to Use an Avalanche Probe

  1. Search Area: Once the approximate location of the victim is determined, the probe is inserted into the snow in a grid-like pattern around the area.

  2. Thrusting the Probe: You thrust the probe into the snow, one section at a time, feeling for resistance. If the probe hits something solid, it could be a buried object, such as a person.

  3. Confirm the Location: Once you feel resistance, you can check the depth markers on the probe to gauge how deep the victim is buried. This helps to guide the digging process.

  4. Mark the Spot: Once you’ve confirmed the location, you can mark the spot and begin digging. Avalanche probes are very effective for narrowing down the exact location, allowing for faster digging and better chances of survival.

Popular Brands:

  • Mammut

  • Black Diamond

  • Arva

  • BCA (Backcountry Access)

  • G3

Importance of an Avalanche Probe in Safety Kits

  • It’s one of the three main tools you need for avalanche safety, alongside an avalanche beacon (to send and receive signals for location) and a snow shovel (to dig out the victim).

  • Without a probe, even if you have a beacon, pinpointing a buried person in the snow can be much more challenging. Time is critical, and an avalanche probe speeds up the rescue process.

Would you like to know more about specific models or brands, or are you preparing for backcountry adventures yourself?