Using an avalanche probe is a critical step in companion avalanche rescue, allowing you to precisely locate a buried victim after their approximate position has been identified with an avalanche transceiver.
An avalanche probe is a collapsible pole, typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber, designed to be quickly assembled and repeatedly pushed into the snowpack to pinpoint a buried person or object. Its effective use is paramount for a rapid and successful rescue.
Essential Steps for Effective Avalanche Probing
Once a transceiver search has narrowed down the victim's location, the probe becomes your primary tool to find the exact burial spot and depth before shoveling. Speed and systematic technique are crucial.
1. Assemble Your Probe Quickly
Every second counts in an avalanche rescue. Practice assembling your probe rapidly and smoothly. Modern probes typically have a cable or cord system that allows them to snap together with a single pull, locking into a rigid pole.
- Unfold and Extend: Pull the probe segments apart firmly.
- Lock Mechanism: Ensure all segments are securely locked. A loose probe is ineffective and frustrating.
2. Establish a Probing Grid or Line
Your probing pattern should be systematic, ensuring complete coverage of the target area. The starting point is usually where the transceiver search indicates the strongest signal or the "fine search" leads you.
- Initial Probing: Begin by probing in an expanding spiral or an arc-shaped pattern around the last known "transceiver strike" or the point of lowest reading.
- Systematic Grid: If the initial probing doesn't yield a strike, transition to a more structured grid.
- Spacing: For companion rescue, probes should be spaced approximately 25 centimeters (10 inches) apart. This ensures you won't miss a victim.
- Depth: Push the probe straight down into the snowpack. When searching at the toe of the debris pile, it's effective to probe approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) deep to cover more ground, given the potential for deeper burial or debris accumulation there.
- Technique: Push the probe straight down, then take a step, pull the probe out, and reinsert it. Some rescuers slightly angle the probe on subsequent pushes (e.g., 25 degrees) to cover more area underground, but always start with a straight vertical probe.
3. The Probing Technique
The goal is to feel for variations in snow density that indicate a buried person.
- Feel for Resistance: As you push the probe, pay close attention to the resistance. You'll feel the natural variations of the snowpack (soft, hard, crusts).
- Identify a Strike: A "strike" feels distinctly different—a solid, unyielding resistance, often described as similar to pushing into a sack of potatoes or firm flesh and bone. It will feel different from hitting a rock, tree, or hard ice.
- Maintain Consistency: Keep your probing consistent in terms of depth and spacing. Avoid rushing and leaving gaps.
4. What to Do After a Strike
A successful probe strike dramatically accelerates the rescue.
- Leave Probe in Place: Do not remove the probe after a strike. It marks the precise location of the victim.
- Communicate: Yell "Strike!" to alert your partners.
- Targeted Shoveling: Immediately begin targeted shoveling around the probe, following proper shoveling techniques to efficiently excavate the victim.
Key Tips for Successful Probing
Mastering probe use requires practice and understanding of various factors.
- Practice Regularly: The best way to become proficient is through regular practice with your rescue partners. Simulate real-world scenarios. Many avalanche safety courses include extensive probing practice.
- Maintain Your Equipment: Inspect your probe regularly for damage or kinks in the cable that could hinder assembly.
- Teamwork and Communication: In a multi-person rescue, designate a probe leader and communicate clearly. Multiple probes can be used simultaneously in a fan or grid pattern to cover ground faster.
- Probe Depth and Coverage: While the average burial depth is often shallower, being prepared to probe deeper in areas like the toe of a debris pile or where snow has piled up significantly can make a difference. Always probe deep enough to cover the potential burial depth.
- Stay Calm: Panic reduces efficiency. Focus on the systematic process.
Types of Avalanche Probes
Avalanche probes are generally categorized by their material, which affects weight, durability, and cost.
| Feature | Aluminum Probes | Carbon Fiber Probes |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier, more robust. | Lighter, ideal for those concerned about pack weight. |
| Durability | Very durable, resistant to bending or snapping. | More susceptible to snapping if misused or stressed. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable. | Typically more expensive. |
| Feel | Can offer a slightly stiffer feel during probing. | Slightly more flexible, can transmit subtle sensations. |
| Common Use | Excellent for general backcountry use and guides. | Preferred by ski mountaineers and minimalist users. |
Regardless of the material, ensure your probe is at least 240 cm (8 feet) long, as this is considered the minimum effective length for most avalanche burials. Longer probes (e.g., 320 cm) are available for professionals or areas with very deep snowpacks.
For more in-depth training on avalanche rescue, consider taking a course from reputable organizations such as the American Avalanche Association or Avalanche Canada.
