SMC"s long-standing reputation for manufacturing top quality Mountaineering equipment is based in part on items like our Snow Anchors (aka Snow Flukes). We know that you can never have too much protection in unpredictable or changing snow and have designed our snow flukes with your safety in mind. Used as a deadman-style anchor, the SMC Snow Anchor offers added security in everything from our infamous "Cascade Crud" to Utah"s world-famous powder. SMC Snow Anchors often double as an emergency digging tool or as a tent anchor. Not going anywhere near the snow? SMC Snow Anchors work great in sand if you are headed to the lake, river or beach instead of to the mountain! Like the SMC I Pickets, they"ve kept the finish "natural" resulting in a more secure placement than comparable powder-coated or anodized anchors and flukes. The angle of the 1/8" diameter steel cable harness attachment enables the Snow Anchor to dive deeper when loaded, piling up snow ahead of it as it sets into place while the holes provide a good bite on the snow. Bigger is sometimes better, so if you want maximum holding power in extreme conditions or have a condo-sized mountaineering tent, then a large Snow Anchor may be your best choice. How to use the SMC Snow Anchor: The optimal placement of Snow Anchor will be at about a 60° angle. In hard snow or ice it may be necessary to dig a slot in which to bury the Snow Anchor. Compacting the loose snow in front of the Snow Anchor will improve holding ability. Recognized for excellence in performance and durability by the world renowned American Alpine Institute as one of their "Guides" Choice" products.