# AI tells backcountry skiers to use avalanche probes as walking poles or for self-arrest, ignoring that probes are for locating buried victims, not load-bearing or self-arrest

- **ID:** `emergency/avalanche-probe-walking-pole`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** config_error
- **Error Code:** `AVALANCHE-PROBE-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Avalanche probes are designed solely for pinpointing buried victims under snow; they are not load-bearing and will bend or break under body weight or self-arrest forces, risking injury or equipment failure.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Pieps Probe 240 | active | — | — |
| Ortovox Probe 260 | active | — | — |
| BCA Probe 200 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use dedicated touring poles for walking and self-arrest; keep probe packed separately for beacon searches only. Example: deploy probe fully (e.g., 240 cm) and use systematic grid pattern, not as a support.** (95% success)
   ```
   Use dedicated touring poles for walking and self-arrest; keep probe packed separately for beacon searches only. Example: deploy probe fully (e.g., 240 cm) and use systematic grid pattern, not as a support.
   ```
2. **If no poles, use ski poles or a shovel handle for self-arrest; never use the probe. Practice self-arrest with ski poles before backcountry travel.** (85% success)
   ```
   If no poles, use ski poles or a shovel handle for self-arrest; never use the probe. Practice self-arrest with ski poles before backcountry travel.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Probes are made of thin aluminum or carbon fiber segments with weak locking mechanisms; they buckle under 50-70 kg of load, causing falls or injury. (95% fail)
- **** — Probes lack a pick or adze; they slide through snow without gripping and can snap upon impact, leaving the user without arrest capability. (98% fail)
- **** — Partial extension reduces reach and may miss victims deeper than 2 meters; probes must be fully extended for effective searching. (60% fail)