Avalanche Awareness
In the winter of 2008-09 there were 27 people killed in avalanches in the United States. Many more were caught in slides and recovered, with or without injuries, by companions.
By learning to analyze and evaluate avalanche hazard, you can reduce your chances of being one of these statistics.
Our avalanche awareness course will provide you with the basic tools necessary to understand how weather variables and mountainous terrain combine to create a dangerous snowpack. This 12-hour course incorporates an evening classroom session with a full day of field training in the snow. Our course includes transport to and from our field site on top of the St. Joe Mountains in one of our custom snowcats. The following key skills are covered in the course:
- Snow Stability Analysis & Evaluation
- Warning Signs
- Safe Route Finding Skills
- Avoiding Terrain Traps
- Group Leadership & Group Dynamics
- Rescue Equipment & Performance
The classroom session will show you elements that contribute to avalanche danger, the tools used to evaluate hazard and the rescue equipment available. First we will look at the weather factors and terrain variables that affect the snowpack. Next, a variety of evaluation tools, probes, shovels and transceivers will be discussed. Finally, we will conclude with a slide show and video that provide a comprehensive summation of the topics discussed.
On day two you will be transported into the backcountry by snowcat. Here you will perform stability tests, such as the shovel shear test and the Rutschblock test. Tests will be conducted in small groups as we learn how to find and recognize weak layers, such as hoar crystals and grauple. You will also learn how to gauge the density of the snow in order to locate slab formations and ice layers. After learning to recognize different layers, as well as evaluating how those layers are bonding, you will concentrate on avoiding terrain traps and developing safe route finding skills.
The second half of the day will focus on preparation, leadership and rescue. First a hearty lunch will be served in our mountain yurt. Afterwards avalanche transceiver methods will be covered along with rescue techniques. At that time we will discuss how group dynamics affect a leaders decisions and how to avoid common pitfalls. Once questions have been answered and each student has become comfortable with using a transceiver, we will set up a mock rescue to encourage participants to use the skills they have learned.
Each student will receive a card showing that they have completed a 12-hour avalanche course. If you would like to unlock the keys to freedom in the backcountry, sign up for an avalanche course today and be prepared for your next adventure!