My point as it relates to the original question is kind of spread out in all my tangents and is confusing so I thought I would summarize what I was trying to say. I think the idea is the same whether it’s a slope you have hands on data for or a slope you have no hands on data for. That is what do you do with the information you already have or observed so far, what is your final decision. Hopefully, you already have some information, wind speeds, wind direction, new snow amounts, etc. You have a general plan based on the current hazards. If it’s deep slabs and persistent weak layers your simply writing certain slopes/aspects/angels etc., out of your plans for the day and sticking to meadows or S. faces etc. If it’s wind slabs or small soft slabs that are not really propogating but pockety etc., your looking to avoid those obvious features that hold pockets and really making a plan for the descent, ski cutting if possible, paying attention to runouts, rolls and other features, etc. so if you do find a pocket you can react. I hope that makes sense. I think roping up and digging a pit is excellent, really just roping up and doing a hard ski cut across the sweet spot would even be better. But like you said spacial variability, slight changes in aspects, features like gullies and roll overs, etc all play a role.

Edit to add one more thing related to my pictures. In the first instance I had multiple red flags plenty of hands on information yet I justified riding the slope which was a bad decision. In the second and third instances I no chance to dig a pit yet felt comfortable with the info I had observed and read and my overall plan, the terrain, etc enough to justify the decision which I feel were good choices.

Sure looks like Roman’s in Wolverine, a definite repeat offender…

I might refer you to some AAI standards for choosing an ideal test pit location, just to help simplify things. Your pit location should be ‘SAFE, REPRESENTATIVE, and POLITE’.

Safe DOES NOT mean out in the chute/bowl where you plan to ride, but instead on a similar and smaller slope, possibly a sub-shoulder or spine just off the main ridge. this might require a little more skinning, but its SAFE(R). that’s rule number one. look and choose a ‘safe’ spot, agree on it as a group, then head there. just remember, it STILL has to be representative…. that comes next.

By ‘representative’ they mean a slope w/ a similar aspect (a directional heading) as the slope you’re planning to ride and the same slope angle (buy a slope meter). if you’re gonna ride a chute that faces east, then don’t dig a pit that faces north, or even NE. make sure it’s also east (compass). again, you’re not out the slope you’re about to drop in on. instead you’re looking for a safe spot with the SAME ASPECT, near to where you’ll be dropping in. If possible, look for it on your approach while you’re also checking out your descent route. ALSO, ‘representative’ means w/ similar exposure to the sun. you don’t want to dig a pit in the trees if you’re gonna ride the chute/bowl, and vice versa. if you’re gonna ride out in the open, your pit has to be out in the open (but safe).

Then there’s ‘polite’. This should be the easy one. Basically, don’t set up to dig your pit right where others might drop in or could come down from above you w/o notice. be out of the way and visible.

Beyond that, when it comes to pits and tests there are just a few other things to keep in mind. First, learn the tests and practice them. Become more familiar with what they each test for (just failure, sheer quality, propogation, etc.) I would recommend learning at least the Compression Test (CT), the Shovel Shear test, and the Extended Column Test (ECT). each of these will give you different data, but a better picture overall of stability hazzards. remember though, you NEVER do just one of each test. you do multiple tests looking for consistencies across each test. if you find failure on the 9th tap from the wrist on your first CT, and then twice more on the 8th tap from the wrist, NOW YOU HAVE SOME DATA (and consistent results). then onto the other tests. fyi, these pit tests can take anywhere from 5-10 min to 20-30 min to complete depending on your experience.

And, make sure you’re completely isolating your columns before your tests. this is vital. investing in a good snow saw and a nice length of cordage to cut out the back wall of the column on the ECT is crucial. my saw actually fits into my shovel handle, then attaches to my BD 3-section poles to allow me to isolate the back of the column easier.

Let us know if you have more questions White Pine, hope this helps man

I’ve only just come across this thread, information is power in the avalanche game so thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread, keep it coming. :thumbsup:

Regarding site selection for Propagation Saw Tests (tests the propagation propensity of a specific weak layer and slab combination independently of any loading required for fracture initiation – yes I cut and pasted that 😯 ) apparently , and this is from some information on PST’s published by the sensei himself, Bruce Tremper:

Although it is important to select an aspect and snowpack representative of the start zone/ski slopes of concern, the PST has been shown to work successfully on flat and shallow slopes, and since it is independent of surface loading it is capable of indicating propagation propensity in deep layers.