Laser-etched for accuracy.
Snow Crystal Card
Our Brooks-Range Snow Crystal Card is the perfect tool for studying snow. Expansive 1mm, 2mm and 3mm grids are laser etched for precision when estimating snow crystal sizes. Because each grid has a textured, anodized flat black surface, crystals stay put and a degree of relief is achieved. Though aluminum, it has a low thermal conductivity to minimize melting and preserve the crystals.
Dimensions and guidelines for performing Rutschblock, Stuffblock, Compression, and Shovel Shear Tests are etched on the backside. Snow crystal terminology is etched on the front side to aid in proper recording of conditions in a field book.
By using the attached string and weight the Snow Crystal Card doubles as an inclinometer with one-degree increments of resolution. Sized at approximately 4½” x 7”, it fits easily in your field book, pocket and the Brooks-Range Field Organizer. Inclinometer string and instructions included.
- Size: 4½” x 7” (11.4 x 17.8 cm)
Customer Reviews
-
Author: Mike Doyle
I have often mentioned the availability of avalanche awareness clinics offered by resorts and organizations, both here and abroad, for skiers venturing into the backcountry.
Now, the more I look into the necessity of knowing as much as possible about staying safe in avalanche prone off piste areas the more useful products and materials I am finding. For instance, I recently had the opportunity to get a hold of a Snow Crystal Card by Brooks-Range Mountaineering Equipment Company. The Snow Crystal Card is a basic snow safety tool that
can help in making an informed decision about the snowpack. The stability of the snowpack is determined by several factors over a period of time, not the least of which is the snow crystals and how they change and interact. I think this can best be illustrated by thinking of the resort snow during a typical spring day - boilerplate in the morning from the cold night, the sun warms it to nice corn snow then keeps warming it to a slush.
Snow Crystal Cards are made by several manufacturers, all come with a set of graphs on which to size and type snow crystals. This information is then related to the results of similar and historically documented studies that give a reliable basis of predicting the stability of the observed snowpack. The Brooks-Range Snow Crystal Card has a laser etched 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm grid, a slope inclinometer in increments of 1 degree, crystal and snowpit "prompt legends" and cm and inch ruler.
In no way do I mean to oversimplify the process of "snow study." Snow Crystal Cards are only one item in the snow study tool box and the backcountry skier can never learn too much about snow stability. Once you understand the accepted techniques and result interpretations any products that can add to, or simplify the process are welcome in the field - the snowfield.
Mike's Skiing Blog
About.com
March 29, 2009 -
Author: Craig Dostie
The crystal card does more than provide 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm grids for estimating crystal sizes, it also is a great cheat sheet for snowpit tests and nomenclature for recording profiles. The card includes a slope meter, although the accuracy is dependent on a cord that may not hang perfectly straight. Replacing that with a straightened out paper clip should cure that flaw.
The Avalanche Review, December 2009
Add your review here
Product rating
You Might Also Like
Cart is empty