A snow anchor (also called a snow pro) is a type of natural or artificial protection used in mountaineering, alpine climbing and ice climbing as an anchor. Two common artificial devices are the snow fluke and snow picket. A snow anchor is used both for climbing and for securing tents and other camping gear, that is designed for use in sand and snow.
A snow fluke is a bent square or rectangle, approximately 8 by 10 inches (20 by 25 cm), and is made of aluminum or other metal, with a cable attached at two points on the upper surface.[1] A fluke correctly used is buried in the snow, tip pointed down, approximately 40° from the angle of the mountain slope.[2] Flukes can deflect or dislodge in harder-packed or dry snow, and are therefore more reliably used in heavy, moist snow.[3]
A snow picket is usually made of lightweight aluminum in 18–36-inch-long (46–91 cm) long T-shaped design.[3]
- ^ "Snow Fluke". AMC Guides. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
- ^ Eng, Ronald C. (2010). Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. Seattle, WA: The Mountaineers. p. 348. ISBN 978-1-59485-137-7.
- ^ a b Graydon, Don. "Snow Climbing: Roped Climbing: Snow Anchors". Get Outdoors. Retrieved 26 August 2011.