Level 2 Avalanche Course
Course Description:
Student Learning Objectives:
At the completions of Level 2, students should be able to:
- Have an advanced understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis.
- Discuss how the snowpack develops and metamorphosis overtime; discusses the factors that contribute to spatial variability.
- Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats for factors that influence or indicate snow stability. SWAG Module
- Advance understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms.
- Introduce a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework
- Improve companion rescue skills including multiple and deep burials
Instructional Sessions (40 hours including both class and field) include:
1. Level 1 review
2. Energy balance, the mountain snowpack and metamorphism
3. Faceting; near surface and near crust faceting
4. Formation of surface hoar and persistent weak layers
5. Skier triggering; theory and observations
6. International and national snow, weather and avalanche observation and recording guidelines (SWAG).
- Weather; interpreting forecasts, recording and observation techniques
- Snow profile techniques and bonding tests
- Avalanche observations and recording techniques
7. Stability analysis checklist; reviewing critical factors
- Stability ratings
- Daily stability forecasts and analysis
8. Trip planning and hazard forecasting for avalanche terrain
- Avalanche danger ratings
- Terrain analysis using maps/photos
- Forecasting stability and variability
9. Terrain selection and route finding
- Group management and hazard management
- Decision making and human factors
10. Information gathering
- Site selection and relevancy, spatial variability and slope tests
11. Companion Rescue
- Level 1 techniques review, multiple burials and shovel techniques
Student Prerequisites: Students must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain. An AIARE Level 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent training/experience is required.
Level 2 Course Equipment List:
Personal Equipment List:
- Clothing for activities and standing in cold/snowy weather (no cotton)
- long underwear
- insulating layers
- outer layer (wind/waterproof)
- warm gloves, mitts, headband, and hat
- Goggles and sunglasses
- Small personal first aid kit (sunscreen/lip-balm, moleskin, band-aids, medication, etc.)
- Water Bottle
Pack Skiing / Snowboarding equipment:
- Boots (Touring Boots Recommended)
- Skis with Touring binding and skins, randonee or free-heel gear or split-board with skins. (Snowshoes are not allowed for snowboarders on this course)
- Collapsible Poles
Rescue Equipment:
- Avalanche Probe
- Collapsible Shovel
- Avalanche Transceiver (457 KHZ frequency only)
- Cell Phone or two way radio (optional)
Additional Requirements:
- Avalanche Handbook – Available through www.amazon.com or www.thebackcountry.net
- Snow Saw (approximately 40cm in blade)
- Snow Study Kit – including crystal identification card, magnifier (8x x 10x Recommended), folding rule (graduated in centimeters – 2 meters length), thermometer (graduated in degrees Celsius), pencil and a spare. These pre-packages kits can be purchased through www.backcountryaccess.com or www.thebackcountry.net
We will provide:
- AIARE Level 1 Review quiz.
- AIARE Field Book.
