If you plan to take a trip into the backcountry, you may need to carry an avalanche probe. Ultimately, many people love to enjoy the winter weather, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more. If you are heading out into the new-fallen powder snow, you always need to put safety first. That is where an avalanche probe comes in handy. What is an avalanche probe, and why should you carry one? There are a few critical points that everyone should know.

Overview of an Avalanche Probe

At its most basic level, an avalanche probe is a small pole that you can use to locate people and objects that may be beneath the surface of the snow. For example, if an avalanche recently took place, then you may be looking for a backpack, a person, or something else underneath the surface of the snow.

This avalanche probe will help you pinpoint the exact location of someone underneath the snow by measuring how far beneath the surface they are buried. An avalanche probe may cut as many as 15 minutes off of potential rescue times in some situations. Therefore, this increases the chances of making a successful recovery. Along with a shovel and a transceiver, an avalanche probe is an essential piece of equipment. Because an avalanche often leads to a time-sensitive situation, everyone needs to make sure they pack an avalanche probe in their backpack.

Aluminum Versus Carbon Fiber Avalanche Probes

There are two broad categories of materials that you may want to consider if you are looking for an avalanche probe. These include aluminum and carbon fiber probes. One of the most important considerations include:

• Carbon is a much lighter material than aluminum. On the other hand, it also tends to be more expensive. If you are covering a large distance, you may want to keep your weight to a minimum. Carbon avalanche probes may be the better option in this situation.
• In contrast, aluminum is going to be slightly heavier. This is a material that can penetrate tough, dense snow quickly. Keep in mind that if an avalanche takes place, it is going to settle very quickly. Therefore, the snow is going to feel much heavier. Aluminum probes tend to be more durable, longer, and heavier. If you want to penetrate thick snow, this may be a better choice.

Think carefully about the type of avalanche probe that you need. Ultimately, the avalanche probe you decide to take with you should be easy to deploy, quick to draw, and easy to use. It is a good idea for you to practice using your avalanche probe at home before hitting the snow. Remember to put gloves on as well, as this will impact your dexterity and mimic real-life situations.

Who Should Carry an Avalanche Probe?

Not everyone will need to carry an avalanche probe; however, a few specific individuals should always carry an avalanche probe in their pack. If you are a ski patrol crew member, then it is critical for you to have multiple avalanche probes available to you. You may be called to respond to an emergency and need to be prepared to move at a moment’s notice.

If you plan on going skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing anywhere that isn't located on a bunny hill, you need to ensure that you have the proper safety gear. This means carrying an avalanche probe with you.

Find the Right Avalanche Probe with the Help of Crescent Moon

If you are looking for a reliable avalanche probe, look no further than the avalanche probe with Advanced Locking System Kit from Crescent Moon Snowshoes. You need to make sure that your avalanche probe will respond quickly when it is needed most. That is not something that you will have to worry about with the kit from Crescent Moon. It is incredibly easy to use, will lock in place quickly, and help you find objects and people located beneath the surface. Make sure that you place safety first and use the right avalanche probe on the slopes. 

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