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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ski-avalanche-probe-purpose

What is an avalanche probe used for?

Pinpointing a buried person's exact spot.

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  1. Pinpointing a buried person's exact spot ✔
  2. Measuring the air temperature
  3. Finding beacons from far away

Why: A probe is a long, collapsible rod that tells rescuers exactly where to dig after the beacon search narrows it down.

Huh, didn't know that: Probes can also take snowpack depth readings.

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References

Answer: Pinpointing a buried person's exact spot. A probe is a long, collapsible rod that tells rescuers exactly where to dig after the beacon search narrows it down.

  1. Avalanche.org: Avalanche Probe avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/gear/avalanche-probe
    A long, thin, collapsible rod used by a rescuer to pinpoint the location of a burial subject beneath the snow surface.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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