Why dig a snowpit? ​​​​​How can it help?

​Digging is a key part of decision making. The general consensus is that the best decision-making occurs when we stop. Digging a snowpit may not provide the answers but think of it as a decision making tool that facilitates conversations among group members. Digging a snowpit changes our perspective. We are emotional creatures, and standing with our eyes even with the snow surface helps us think a little differently. It engages us on an emotional level and improves decision making.

If nothing else, consider every snowpit a little bit of rescue practice. Shoveling is the hardests most time-consuming part of a rescue. Personally, I use snowpits as a chance to get faster at pulling out and assembling my shovel and learning the quickest way to move lots of snow.