While the value of snowpack testing has been debated, assessing the stability of the snowpack in the backcountry can help verify conditions reported in regional avalanche bulletins and complement your observations out in the field.

Campbell demonstrates how to assess snow stability using a compression test and a Rutschblock test.

Techniques for a Compression Test

Techniques for a Rutschblock Test

Tests demonstrated in these videos should be used in conjunction with other avalanche safety information, including weather, terrain and field obervations. Learn how to combine these snowpack tests with other avalanche safety skills by completing an Avalanche Skills Training course.

Further Details

Read Bruce Jamieson's article Snowpack Analysis

 Read Techniques for a Compression Test

 Read Techniques for a Rutschblock Test

Cam Campbell, Public avalanche forecaster for the Canadian Avalanche Centre and Researcher for the University of Calgary's Applied Snow and Avalanche Research.