Extended Column Test

The Extended Column Test (ECT) is a safety assessment used in avalanche-prone areas to evaluate the stability of snow layers. It involves carefully removing snow columns from different locations to see if the snow collapses or releases naturally or when disturbed. This helps identify weak layers vulnerable to avalanches. Conducted by trained personnel, the ECT provides valuable information about snowpack stability, aiding decision-making for safe travel in snow-covered mountainous terrain. It is an important tool for avalanche safety, helping predict when and where avalanches are more likely to occur.