The Science of Snow Pits

Women’s Adventure ventured into Utah’s backcountry this spring to research deep powder skiing. Little Cottonwood Canyon contains some of the world’s deepest snow pack, highest steeps and biggest number of natural slide paths. Avalanches are part of daily life in this winter wonderland, which means avalanche education is crucial before dropping in. And it all starts with understanding the snow pack. In this video, our guide Eric Gustafson from Utah Mountain Adventures teaches you how to dig a snow pit, test the pit, and read the pit.