Snow Safety
Videos
Extended Column Test
Karl Birkeland of the Forest Service National Avalanche Center demonstrates and explains the Extended Column Test.
~6m
Snowpack Tests
A brief how-to for common snowpack tests to locate and assess instabilities within the snowpack.
~24m
Snow Profile Field Test
Doug Chabot of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center demonstrates how to dig a snow profile with stability tests.
~11m
Tree Well & Snow Immersion Safety
Drew and Josh from Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol share some great information about tree well and snow immersion safety.
~3m
Additional Resources
John Branch of The New York Times shares the harrowing story of a massive avalanche in the northern Cascades that took down a dozen backcountry skiers.
The avalanche advisory is designed for people who have taken at least an avalanche awareness class or preferably an avalanche Level 1 course. This page explains the basic concepts of the advisory and how to read it.
Learn how to use your transceiver, shovel, and probe in a companion rescue situation. Our BCA avalanche rescue education series shows you how to perform an avalanche rescue if your companion is buried.