Once your beacon search has identified the approximate burial location, an avalanche probe confirms the exact position and depth before you start digging. A probe search that pinpoints the burial precisely means your shovel goes in the right place from the first stroke — and in a companion rescue, every minute matters.
A quality probe assembles in seconds, extends to 240 to 320cm and is stiff enough to feel the difference between snow and a buried body at depth. Keep it in the dedicated avalanche pocket of your pack — not buried at the bottom under your lunch — where it is immediately accessible when you need it.
Black Diamond makes the benchmark touring probes. The QuickLock system assembles with a single pull of the cord, the aluminium shaft provides reliable feedback at depth, and the depth markings allow you to report burial depth accurately when you call for backup. Available in 240, 270 and 300cm lengths — 240cm is adequate for most Australian conditions, 270 or 300cm preferred for deep snow terrain.
BCA probes are built to the same reliable standard as the rest of BCA's backcountry safety range — robust, fast-assembling, length-marked. A solid choice alongside BCA beacon and shovel for riders building a matched kit.
The probe is the least expensive piece of your avalanche safety kit and the one where there is least room for compromise on quality. A probe that assembles slowly or does not lock rigidly under load is a liability in a real rescue. Buy a quality probe, practice assembling it with cold hands and gloves on, and carry it in the right pocket every time.
