Should the worst happen, save valuable seconds by using your avalanche probe properly.
Avalanche probes are a standard piece of equipment for backcountry skiers, splitboarders, mountaineers and rescue teams all over the world. When ski touring in Scotland, for example, an avalanche probe is a very sensible addition to your safety kit. It might look simple and unimportant, but it is the probe, not the transceiver, that actually pinpoints the victim’s location. So, just sticking them blindly in the snow is not the way to go. Read on to learn how to use avalanche probes properly.
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Companion Rescue probing
Probing is sometimes referred to as ‘pinpointing’ and begins when the transceiver fine search (bracketing) has been completed. Regularly practise assembling and using your probe to keep your skills sharp. And you can also save seconds by stowing it in your rucksack without its protective pouch.
The area you must probe is determined by ‘bracketing’ with your avalanche transceiver. This area can safely be marked using ski poles (see pictures). Being aluminium, they are non-ferrous and so have minimal effect on signal quality.
Time needed: 2 minutes
How to use an avalanche probe
- Deploy probe
HOLD the top section.
THROW the lower sections downhill.
PULL cord/cable with other hand.
WIGGLE probe to assemble it.
SECURE the cord/cable to lock it all together. - Begin probing
FACE UPHILL, holding probe vertically.
AIM PROBE at centre of your minimum depth reading (from transceiver).
90 DEGREES to snow surface.
INSERT FULL LENGTH, or until it hits something (a strike).
A STRIKE on a victim feels ‘springy’ (however, a buried ski boot or helmet will feel hard). - Keep probing until you get a strike
REPEAT USING CONSTANT PATTERN: concentric circles recommended.
STAY DOWNHILL of search area.
MAX 20CM between adjacent holes.
ONCE per hole.
FAST, ACCURATE, THOROUGH probing (don’t worry about injuring victim).
LEAVE PROBE IN PLACE when you get a strike. - Measure depth of the strike
READ DEPTH off the probe at the snow surface.
START DIGGING, based on the probe depth reading.
How do I practise using my avalanche probe?
Ideally, practise probing on awkward terrain, in deep, broken, blocky, icy snow, wearing all your ski touring kit, as part of a descent. These are realistic conditions! However, if you are just learning, any patch of snow with reasonable depth should work. But ensure it isn’t flat, level, pristine snow, becasuse that is nothing like avalanche debris. Shovelling snow up into a deep mound can be quite effective (remember to bury your transceiver first!). It’s also worth burying your transceiver inside your rucksack, or a stuffsack of spare clothes. This simulates the feel of a successful ‘strike’. I have even practised with clients in thick undergrowth, when we are stormbound in the valley! Another good option is to practise at a ‘transceiver park’, if your resort has one.
How do I know if I have found the victim?
If the probe stops at a shallower-than-expected depth, that might indicate a ‘strike’ on the victim. But it could be something else. The key is to feel the strike:
- Hard, maybe a tapping noise: rock, ice or a detached ski/board. But maybe the victim’s boot or helmet.
- Soft and ‘sucking’: mud or soil. Check the probe end for dirt.
- Soft and springy: likely the victims body.
Choosing an avalanche probe
Avalanche probes all share the same features, ie multiple sections held together with a tensioned cable/cord, with a point at one end and a lock at the other. But these components come in a wide range of designs. Choose the model which matches the usual snow depths in which you ski, and which you can use confidently. Read on for some pointers…
Aluminium alloy probes are very hardwearing and light in weight. Carbon fibre probes are lighter, but more expensive. The length and diameter of the probe is important. A longer probe is better if you are travelling in areas where the snowpack is generally deep. A larger diameter probe may be a bit more bulky, but is stronger and less deflected by avalanche debris (a big concern with avalanches in Scotland). The depth markings should be easy to read and hard-wearing. All probes need a reliable locking mechanism, without which they are useless. The mechanism must be intuitive and very easy to use with thick gloves. Most also have adjustable tension, which guarantees the probe will stay connected. Finally, probes are held together with a cable or cord. Both are good, although the cable versions may be slightly harder wearing.
Looking after your avalanche probe
Disassemble the probe and let it air dry. Regularly do a visual check for cracks, broken locking mechanism or frayed cable/cord. You shouldn’t use an avalanche probe if it doesn’t assemble and lock reliably.
Avalanche probes are fairly simple pieces of kit. But they are absolutely essential in Companion rescue. They can also be super handy for helping us assess snowpack depth and layering (for example, when crossing a snow bridge, building a snow shelter or assessing avalanche hazard). If you want a recommendation, I have used Ortovox probes for many years when ski touring and have always found them to be very reliable and well designed.
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