Rutschblock

Results - Rutschblock Test: Score		What it means
Fails while isolating the block	1	Red light
Fails while stepping onto the block	2	Red light
Fails with an easy weighting	3	Red light
Fails with one easy jump	4	Yellow light
Fails with one hard jump	5	Yellow light
Fails with several hard jumps	6	Green light
Doesn't fail	7	Green light

Writing up the results on the trial report If the block fails while stepping onto the block: You would write it up has a RB 2 ( RED LIGHT)

View Rutschblock Video

How to Dig your Rutschblock

A Rutschblock is similar to a compression test in that it uses compression as a force to test how well strong and weak layers are bonded together. The Rutschblock is favored by snow safety professionals because it tests a larger area and it gives you a feel for how sensitive the snowpack is to your weight.

To perform a Rutschblock,

Turn your Avalanche Transceivers on before performing this test!
The slope angle must be at least 30 degrees or steeper. Also consider, aspect, and location..
Make the width of your block around 6" wider than your ski on top.
Make the bottom face of the block around one foot wider than your skis.
Be careful not to disturb the snow uphill of the front wall of your block.
Dig the front wall out at least 3 ft deep or deeper if your shovel shear indicated a deeper weak layer.
Either trench or cut the sides with a saw
The sides should be roughly a ski pole length uphill.
Cut the back of the block by using a snow saw on a pole, a ski or a piece of cord, or Rutschblock Cutter.
- Note: If you use a snow saw which mounts on the end of a ski pole you can cut the block in under a minute
- OR: Insert two metal probe poles at the upper corners and run a parachute cord or Rutschblock cutter around the outsides of the probes. Two patrollers can grab each end of the cord and saw out the block. With two patrollers working together with snow saws the job takes about 30 seconds.
Finally, finish up shoveling out the face of block. Note: the larger the pit the more space you will need in front of the block to throw your excavated snow.
Once the block is isolated on all four sides, have the biggest skier in your group, with their patrol pack on, approach the block from the uphill side of the back cut. Make sure patrollers on the downhill side stand to the outer edges of the block if block fails during any part of the testing.
Now load the block by using the 7 step methodology by using the score of 1-7 (See interpreting results table above)


Mark width of pit with your ski and dig front wall about 1 foot longer than your ski.	Measure the slope angle of your Rutchsblock by using your inclinometer on your compass .	Trench or cut the sides one pole length uphill. You can use a snow saw or ski to cut the sides or see instructions for cutting edges with Rutschblock cutter.	Move to the back of the block and cut a straight line between side cuts using a saw of Block cutter . Note: Back of block should be slightly narrower than front.

Step onto upper third of block.	Down-weight with feet in place.	Jump hard once in place.	Block fails after single hard jump. This Rutschblock failed on a score of #4.
(Click to view) Insert two probe poles at the upper corners of your block and run a parachute cord or Rutschblock Cuter around the outsides of the probes to cut the outer edges.