Suppose I am out in the mountains and I want to do a snowpack (in/stability) test before traversing across a slope. I have not, however, carried a saw - to cut a snow column. I have on me regular mountaineering gear - including a shovel, hiking pole, and iceaxes.
How can I cut a possibly cut a column of snow on which to do the stability test (by patting down with a shovel on top of the column)?
Would it be any different if I had skis?