How to Do a Rutschblock Test
The Rutschblock test is an excellent tool to have at your command. The test helps determine if snow is stable or unstable. It should never be used alone, but provides a good indication if snow is likely to avalanche. Use the Rutschblock test along with other methods like weather observation, terrain selection and other snow-stability tests. The Rutschblock test is easy to perform, and helps you establish clues to avalanche initiation over a relatively large area up to 1m deep. It can help you decide if a slope is safe to ski.
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Instructions
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Pick a safe slope that is similar to the slope you want to ski. Using a slope meter, ensure that the slope pitch is at least 30 degrees.
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Dig out three sides of a block using your metal snow shovel. The block needs to measure 1.5m deep into the slope, 1.5m high and 2 meters across the slope. If you don't have a probe to measure these dimensions, use a ski pole length for the depth and height and a ski length for the back. Ensure that the edges of the block are smooth.
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Cut the back side (or uphill side) of the block using a Rutschblock cord or a rope. You will need two people to do this. Use the rope to saw vertically through the snow. Cut the back of the block to the same depth as the front of the block. In a side profile, the block will look like a four-sided polygon.
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Approach the block from above and step downslope onto the block with skis. Your load simulates the load and initiation force the snow will receive when you ski on it. The largest skier with the heaviest pack should test the slope. This information tells you how stable or unstable the snow is in that location, and where the potentially hazardous, avalanche-causing weak layers are located.
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Test the block. The goal is to see if or when the the block will fail at a weak layer. At any point, the block has the potential to fail. First flex your knees. Then jump on the block once. Next, jump on the block with two jumps in the same spot. Then jump onto the lower half of the block and jump several times. Finally, have several people jump on the block at once.
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Analyze when or if the block failed. If a block fails during digging, stepping onto the block or flexing your knees, that block is extremely unstable. If the block fails after one jump, it is unstable. If the block fails after two jumps in one spot, it is potentially unstable/marginally stable. If it fails after several jumps on the lower section, it is relatively stable. If it does not fail after multiple people have jumped on the block, it is stable to very stable. If the block fails, inspect the weak layer and use other tests and clues to make a safe decision.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use the Rutschblock test in conjunction with other tests. Use the results as a decision-making tool.
The test takes about 15 to 30 minutes to perform.
The test only evaluates weak layers up to 1m deep in the snow pack.
If you want to see this test done before you try it on your own, take an avalanche course. It could save your life.
Do not ski on the test area prior to testing.
Be sure to perform this test on a safe slope.
You are always responsible for yourself in the avalanche terrain.
Be sure to seek proper avalanche education.
