Glossary

Rutschblock Test

A rutschblock test is a form of snowpack test that involves applying the weight of a person in increments to a large column of snow. Like the compression test, the rutschblock test gives a point observation of weak layer strength as well as fracture propagation propensity. One advantage of the rutschblock test is its unique and impactful approximation of an avalanche involvement through its use of a human trigger and a large slab of snow.