Snowpit Classes
Learn how to dig a snowpit, and/or refine your snowpack observations and tests
We teach a fair number of AIARE avalanche classes. Those classes focus on giving you a process to manage your risk in the backcountry when you’re skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Many people who take those classes want to learn more about the snow science, therefore we created this one-day snowpit class. In this full-day field course, you’ll learn to dig snowpits, make observations and run tests on the snow. If you’ve already learned how to dig a snowpit, this is a great chance to review and refine your skills under the watchful eye of an experienced avalanche educator. Above all, you’ll continue to develop your understanding of snow.
You’ll learn/practice:
- Where to dig a snowpit
- How to dig a snowpit
- How to identify and record the layers of the snowpack
- How to run the following tests, and record the results:
- Compression test
- Extended Column test
- Propagation Saw test
- Shovel Tilt test
- Deep tap test
- How to create a snowpit profile to communicate your observations, like this:
Yep, you’ll Create a professional-looking snowpit graph and have it critiqued after your class!
This is a great course if you’ve taken an AIARE 1 or 2 and want to work on your snow observation skills. Additionally, it’s a great way to increase your understanding of the tests and observations the professional forecasters use in the daily advisory.
We currently have two of these classes scheduled in the Donner Summit area. Custom classes can be arranged, too, just ask! Join the class and develop your snowpit digging skills!