An avalanche can literally go from 0-60 within seconds. The impact of the onrushing snow is enough to break bones and cause internal injuries. hould you survive those but be buried, you'll run out of air within 15 minutes.This is why avalanche forecasters exist. These men and women, whether employed by local governments, research institutions or private companies, travel to avalanche-prone regions to conduct testing. They dig a pit into a slope, and do what's called an Extended Column Test (ECT), using a saw to expose a tall column or slab of snow. They then tap on the top of the column, using increasing amounts of force. They observe both where the column fractures and how much force was required to create that fracture in order to determine the stability of the snow.Cutting through the snow requires precision and a specially-designed saw. This $65 Beta Snow Science Saw, by outdoor equipment manufacturer Mountain Safety Research, fits the bill. The stainless steel saw is designed to be easy to carry, weighing just 7 oz (178g). The blade is laser-etched with measurement markings, so you can cut the column to the desired dimensions without needing to carry a second measuring tool. The teeth are designed to slice through snow and ice without clogging, and are also tough enough to cut through wood (if, for example, you unexpectedly run into a buried branch in the area you're cutting). This also makes the saw handy for carving a snow shelter in an emergency. The saw was designed by Cascade Designs, the parent company of Mountain Safety Research.