SNOWPIT IN YOUR HAND

A tell-tale sign of an avalanche prone snowpack is a big shift in snow hardness, like a stiff block sitting on fluff. The thinner the soft layer the more dangerous the conditions. Seems simple, but identifying those thin layers can be tricky.

That’s where the Avametrix AvyScanner steps in. Point the handheld device at the snow between your skis, press a button and a low-frequency radar beam penetrates two metres into the snowpack and bounces back to the device. An onboard computer processes the returning signal to identify the depth and densities of the various layers in the snowpack and then displays them on the touch screen, in format that looks much like a traditional snow profile. It all happens in seconds, making it a no-brainer to repeat throughout the day.

The AvyScanner also displays the route with GPS, measures slope angle and tracks weather conditions, all-important variables. Perhaps even more important, with a paired app, all the information can be easily shared and logged. avamatrix.com