Experts agree that collapsible avalanche probes are essential for avalanche rescue.
Following the beacon search a probe is used to verify the victim's precise burial location and depth. This information controls digging. In a rescue situation where the victim is not wearing an avalanche beacon, probes must be used. Probing in this situation requires the avalanche area be probed in a two foot grid to a depth of six feet. Probes are also used to identify layers in the snow or to find dangerous cornice edges or crevasses.