# AI tells backcountry skiers to use avalanche probes as walking poles or for self-arrest, ignoring that probes are for locating buried victims only and may break under body weight

- **ID:** `emergency/avalanche-probe-misuse`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** config_error
- **Error Code:** `AVALANCHE-PROBE-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Avalanche probes are designed for lightweight, collapsible use to detect buried victims in snow; they are not load-bearing and will buckle or snap if used as poles or for self-arrest, leading to injury or delayed rescue.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Pieps 30 | active | — | — |
| Ortovox 240 | active | — | — |
| BCA Probe 240 | active | — | — |
| Mammut 240 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Always carry dedicated trekking poles or ski poles for walking; use probe only for probing in beacon search grid pattern** (95% success)
   ```
   Always carry dedicated trekking poles or ski poles for walking; use probe only for probing in beacon search grid pattern
   ```
2. **For self-arrest, use ice axe if available; if no axe, use ski poles or hands/feet, never probe** (90% success)
   ```
   For self-arrest, use ice axe if available; if no axe, use ski poles or hands/feet, never probe
   ```
3. **Store probe in backpack side pocket, not attached to outside where it may be grabbed as pole** (85% success)
   ```
   Store probe in backpack side pocket, not attached to outside where it may be grabbed as pole
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Tape does not add structural strength; probe still bends under dynamic load, risking wrist injury (95% fail)
- **** — Probe tip is sharp and not designed for weight; can punch through ice or snap, causing fall (90% fail)
- **** — Partial collapse weakens locking mechanism; probe may detach during use (85% fail)