ENSA Tests Snow Anchors

Interesting stuff from ENSA in Chamonix. With many skiers brushing up on rescue techniques in anticipation of the season, this kind of info is a valuable tool towards ensuring practice is conducted correctly. 
  "The ENSA equipment testing department studied the strength of different types of snow anchor commonly used by mountain climbers, skiers and rescue workers: snow-stakes, ice-axes, skis, ski poles…etc. These are known as deadman anchors. The results suggest that the angle at which a deadman is placed, significantly affects its holding power."