Snow Study

The Dozer IT is BCA's most popular size avalanche shovel, made for the masses. 

All of BCA's new Dozer shovels feature ovo-concave shafts and low-profile, "stompable" blades. The front third of the shovel blade offers a smooth surface for clean snowpit walls during snow stability tests. With BCA's flat "stomp edge" on the blade, you can penetrate just about anything by adding body weight. Auto-engaging spring pins at the blade/shaft connection make for faster, hands-free assembly/deployment. BCA shovels lie flat in your pack with no protruding ferrule or "neck," leaving more room for other backcountry gear. All BCA extendable shovels are designed to meet the UIAA standard for avalanche rescue shovels.

Please see our avalanche shovels resources section below for shoveling videos, FAQs, and instructions for use.

Our Stealth 270 avalanche probe features the easiest and fastest assembly on the market, with no loose cable to cause hangups. The top segment stealthfully nests inside the next probe section, reducing the number of segments and size of the probe bundle when disassembled in your pack. Equipped with laser-etched depth markings for measuring snowpack and/or victim depth to determine the dimensions of the excavation area before shoveling. Our Quick-Lock hardware allows for the best packability and deployment speed on the market. Stealth probes are built to last and save valuable seconds during an avalanche rescue when time matters.

The Backcountry Decision-Making Guide is an essential snow study tool for the aspiring avalanche professional or serious student. Developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) to meet the American Avalanche Association (AAA) standards. Used with a pencil, the pages are waterproof so you can collect data even on the wettest days.

The field book includes the AIARE Communication Checklist, AIARE Decision Making Framework, and AIARE Observations Reference. Along with the AIARE information, you will use the 50 format pages for entering trip plans, field observations, and snow profiles to make educated decisions while in the backcountry.

The Lexan polycarbonate crystal card provides a surface to analyze/classify snow grains and also has a slope index, which allows you to determine slope angles from a topographical map. Snow crystals placed on the card become recognizable and sizable. Ideal for sunnier climates, the Lexan crystal card does not absorb as much radiation as the aluminum crystal card, which allows you to study snow crystals longer and more accurately. This small yet very informational tool will take your snow safety skills to a new level.

The aluminum crystal card provides a surface to analyze/classify snow grains and also has a slope index, which allows you to determine slope angles from a topographical map. Snow crystals placed on the card become recognizable and sizable. With the aluminum card version, you can expect durability and long term usage. This small yet very informational tool will take your snow safety skills to a new level.

BCA designed it’s snow study tools in conjunction with North America’s most experienced avalanche educators. BCA snow study tools allow you to gather all of the data you need, without breaking the bank.

The Backcountry Access 35 cm saw not only cuts both snow and ice, but it can also cut wood. It is the ideal length for isolating snow columns for stability tests. The blade comes equipped with a protective sheath to prevent it from ripping or scratching up your gear. Markings every 5 cm on the blade allow for a precise cut. Designed with North America’s most experienced avalanche educators, the saw is a high functioning snow safety tool. The 35 cm saw is a BCA tool that is necessary to possess for pit digging and is required in most avalanche classes.

The snow saw snaps into the upper shaft of our BCA Scepter adjustable ski poles. The snow saw will also fit on other touring ski poles, since the mount on the saw has two different diameters.

The 2 Meter ruler made from fiberglass allows you to accurately measure the columns and depths of your snow pit. It conveniently folds up to save room in your pack and is built to last. The compact product expands to two meters, an ideal length for snow measurements. The ruler weight is only 130g due to the sturdy yet lightweight fiberglass composition. Stay safe and prevent an avalanche accident by monitoring the snowpack with this snow safety tool.

BCA designed it’s snow study tools in conjunction with North America’s most experienced avalanche educators. BCA snow study tools allow you to gather all of the data you need, without breaking the bank.