Avalanche Safety Level II

Description
Our AIARE Level II Avalanche Safety Course will build and expand the foundations of avalanche safety taught in the Level I curriculum by introducing snow metamorphism, guidelines and recording standards for weather, snowpack and avalanches, testing techniques and data interpretation.

The course will cover the following:
  • Snow Metamorphism and Weather effects on snow
  • Surface Hoar Formation
  • Slab mechanics
  • Stability Testing
  • Observation Guidelines
  • Recording Standards
  • Stability analysis

    You can expect to become familiar with all test techniques and interpretation. You will have an understanding of snow metamorphism, the effect of temperature gradient and it's relation to the formation of the hazardous conditions.
    You will be introduced to standardized methods of collecting and recording data.

    • Course Goals:

    By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the snow metamorphism process and how it relates to backcountry snow stability.
  • Understand weak layer formation in the snow pack.
  • Understand temperature gradient and its effects on snow.
  • Make standardized observations and recordings for weather, snowpack and avalanches.
  • Conduct snow testing and interpretation.
  • Perform a rescue

    • Itinerary
    DAY 1
  • Introduction: goals & objectives
  • Formation and Nature of Avalanches
  • Mountain Snowpack
  • In the Field: Full Profile Demo
  • In the Classroom: Set up Snow Profile page
  • Weather Observations page
  • Avalanche Observations page

    DAY 2
  • Weather Observations
  • Factors that Affect / Indicate Snow Stability
  • Avalanche Terrain
  • Field Observations
  • Test Profile

    DAY 3
  • In the Field: Avalanche Terrain
  • Test Profile
  • Field Observations
  • Review Mountain Snowpack & Discuss Current Stability
  • Case History Exercise

    DAY 4
  • Stability analysis process
  • Field Trip - Route Finding
  • Group Management
  • Developing Leadership & Decision-Making Skills

    Prerequisites:
    Participants should have completed an AIARE Level I avalanche safety course and have some personal experience.
    You should be familiar with the following:
  • Recognizing avalanche terrain
  • Recognizing hazardous conditions
  • Observing mountain weather, snowpack, and avalanches
  • Basic testing techniques and observations
  • Basic route selection and route finding
  • Group management and decision makingRecomended Reading
  • Snow Sense : A Guide to Evaluating Snow, by Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler
  • The Avalanche Handbook, by David McClung and Peter Schaerer
  • Avalanche Safety for Skiers, Snowboarders, & Climbers, by Tony Daffern
  • Snow, Weather, & Avalanche: Observational Guidlines for Avalanche Programs in the U.S., by the American Avalanche Association

    $435 per person (Not Including: Personal equipment, meals, lodging, transportation ).

    • Dates

    Crested Butte Courses:
    Dec. 16-19, 2010 All day Thurs. - Sun.
    Jan. 27-30, 2011 All day Thurs. - Sun.
    Feb. 17-20, 2011 All day Thurs. - Sun.
    AIARE Avalance Level 2 Courses - Purchase Online Now
    Dates 2010/2011