Changes in Stability Test Usage by Snowpilot Users

Professionals and recreationists utilize stability tests to assess snow stability. Our goal is to determine whether or not people are changing the types of tests they conduct. We utilized the SnowPilot database of over 3,600 snow pits from nine winters, with about 83% of these pits being dug by avalanche professionals. We found a dramatic shift in the tests conducted since 2004. SnowPilot users have moved away from rutschblocks and stuffblocks and moved more toward extended column tests (ECTs) and propagation saw tests (PSTs), while still conducting a large number of compression tests (CTs). ECTs are now the most popular test, being conducted in nearly 80% of all pits. Not surprisingly, this shift toward ECTs and PSTs has coincided with an increasing emphasis on the importance of propagation potential in our stability assessments. As we learn more about snow and the way it fractures, newer and more effective tests might well be advanced. Our results demonstrate that our community will quickly adopt new tests when they are useful and scientifically validated.