How to Use a Probe in Avalanche Terrain
By Feathered Friends | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the correct technique for probing avalanche debris, including how to choose a probe length and use a systematic search pattern to locate a buried victim.
Quick answer
Use a systematic fine-search pattern with your avalanche probe, starting from the last transceiver signal point, and probe every 25 cm in a grid to locate a buried victim.
Why probe length and diameter matter
A probe that is too short for the snowpack may not reach a buried victim, while one that is too long can be cumbersome to deploy quickly. Diameter also affects stiffness and weight: larger-diameter sections add rigidity where needed, while smaller sections save weight.
The MSR Striker 240 Probe uses dual-diameter construction—11 mm upper sections to save weight and 13 mm thicker-walled lower sections for added stiffness—making it a good choice for shallower snowpacks where you want to balance weight and strength.
The Mammut Probe 280 Speed Lock reaches 280 cm, suitable for deeper snow, and features a glove-friendly Speed-lock system for fast assembly in cold conditions.
Common mistakes during probing
Probing too quickly or skipping the fine-search pattern is the most common error. A missed probe pass can leave a victim unfound, so take your time and maintain a consistent 25 cm spacing.
Another mistake is probing only at the surface or stopping when you feel resistance from debris rather than a soft body. Always probe to the full depth of the snowpack or until you feel a distinct change in resistance.
Step-by-step probe technique
- 1. Transition from transceiver to probe: After your transceiver narrows the search to within 1–2 meters, stop and switch to your probe. Mark the last signal point with a pole or your ski. Do not skip the fine-search; the transceiver is accurate only to about 1 meter.
- 2. Assemble the probe quickly: Extend the probe fully and lock each section. For the Probe 280 Speed Lock, pull the cord to tension the Speed-lock system. For the Striker 240, twist-lock each joint firmly. Cold hands make assembly slow; practice with gloves on before you need it.
- 3. Establish a search grid: Starting from the last signal point, probe every 25 cm in a straight line. After completing one line, move 25 cm to the side and probe back in the opposite direction. Cover a 2 m x 2 m area. A common mistake is probing too fast or too far apart; maintain 25 cm spacing.
- 4. Probe to full depth: Insert the probe straight down to the full depth of the snowpack or until you feel a distinct change in resistance. If you hit something soft, stop and do not remove the probe. Do not stop at the first resistance; debris can feel like a body.
- 5. Confirm and mark the hit: If you feel a soft object, leave the probe in place and mark the spot with a pole or your ski. Then begin digging with your shovel from the downhill side to avoid burying the victim further. Never remove the probe before digging; it marks the exact location.
Product facts
- Probe 280 Speed Lock: 280 cm Aluminum Avalanche Probe from Mammut with a Speed-lock tensioning system, 7 sections, 11 mm diameter, and 45 cm collapsed length. The long reach and fast locking system make it suitable for deep snowpacks and rapid deployment in critical situations.
Probe 280 Speed Lock - Striker 240 Probe: Lightweight and compact avalanche probe from MSR with dual-diameter construction (11 mm upper, 13 mm lower) for weight savings and stiffness where needed. The dual-diameter design provides a good balance of weight and strength for shallower snowpacks, where every gram counts on longer tours.
Striker 240 Probe
