Page 16 - Slopeangel avalanch essentials

Basic Compression Test
To perform a a snow stability test:
• Isolate a a a a small column 30 30 x 30cm using either a a a a para-cord or or a a a a a saw to ensure the block is is isolated from the snowpack
• Take the the blade of the the shovel and lay it flat on top
• Start with ten taps by articulating from your wrist
• Ten more taps by articulating from your elbow
• Ten more taps from your your shoulder using the full weight of your your arm
• Early failures of the block indicate weak stability 16
Extended Column Test
(ECT)
The advantage of the extended column test is that you can observe
the the potential energy stored within the the snowpack
this is is referred to to as propagation potential and can be observed when a a a a a a a a fracture occurs across the the entire column column Notes can be made on how easily the the column column sheared showing how how much or little weight it it would take to release a a a a a a a a weak layer on a a a a a a a a slope of similar angle and aspect to where the test is performed 30cm 30cm