Perhaps better in the Slide Zone, but it is gear related. Taking Level 2 in a couple of weeks so I want to pick up some study tools. I don't, however, want to pay $85 for the BCA "kit."
So I would like to build my own essentials and would appreciate any recommendations from snow geeks/avy folks on what they actually use in the field when conducting pit profiles.
Here is a rudimentary list I have come up with of potential study tools (including what I already have):
1. AIARE Blue Field Book - I have
2. Waterproof Pencil - I have
3. Snow Saw - I have
4. Rustchblock Cord - Just going to use the general cornice cutting rope w/ knots that I have + 2 ski poles or probe(s)
5. Inclinometer - I am just going to use my Compass w/ the inclinometer. The BCA ones look like something that will break.
6. Thermometer- Could use some recommendations here. Digital I assume? What works the best? Don't want to break the bank, but don't want a POS either.
7. Folding Ruler - I saw the BCA kit has one. Seems you could just use the markings on your probe if you have a probe with the measurements. I have an Orthovox probe with CM/MM markings. Do others find it easier to use the folding ruler, however - given that it is more manageable to use? Any recomemdations (light, cheap, etc....)?
8. Mag Glass - Seems you need these for crystals. Frankly, I assume I will use this during the Level 2 course but never use it again. I would like to do future pit profiles for nothing else than intellectual curiosity and contributing useful observations to the Sierra Avalanche Center. I figure the more info those guys get from backcountry travelers the better. SO, is this purchase worth it? Any recommendations?
9. Crystal Card - Seems you need it for Level 2 and pit profiles. I guess the BCA one here is the way to go.
Any other thoughts, suggestions, recommendations would be appreciated.
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