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4 Trips to Choose from!
Every skier/boarder should try this at least once.
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Avalanche Level 2 Certification |
Prerequisite: Level I Avalanche Safety Course.
We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to increase your winter knowledge of snow conditions in the surrounding
mountains. Feel safe about getting out into the winter wonderland of Colorado.
Learn about the factors that make up an avalanche, analysis of the snow, route finding and proper avalanche beacon techniques. The first evening’s classroom is at different locations around the front range of Colorado, please see locations below. The rest of the class is on the snow with two full day in the spectacular setting of Rocky Mountain National Park! The on snow portion will include using beacons, digging snow pits, and running mock rescues.
This class is taught on snowshoes or skis that can climb up hill. This works great for all of you that snowshoe!
Skiers: This class is much better on snowshoes. We can accommodate those of you that must use skis, but the warmer snow boots will keep your feet much happier. Yes, this means you will miss a few turns in the snow, but the efficiency of doing this class is much better on snowshoes. What we found when teaching this class on skis is that there can be delays, so you must not head off for your own turns. If you are going to use your skis, make sure your ski skins work well. Skis need to be removed for digging pits and ski boots are not as warm as snowboots. Snowshoes climb steeper slopes faster, you can dig snow pits with them on, they are easy to use, they aid in keeping the class together, feet stay warmer and you will learn more. Please consider doing this class on snowshoes even if you are a skier. If you want to make some turns, go ski, if you want to learn about avalanche safety, take this class!
Level II AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Certification
Spend time discussing how the snow pack develops and metamorphoses over time - the focus will be on factors that influence or indicate snow stability. Increase your understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms and be introduced to a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework. In this course you will also improve your companion rescue skills including multiple and deep burials. This is a 40-hour class and involves both classroom and fieldwork.
The AIARE Level 2 avalanche course student learning outcome
1. Advance understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis.
2. Discuss how the snowpack develops and metamorphoses over time; and discuss the factors that contribute to spatial variability.
3. Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats for factors that influence or indicate snow stability. SWAG MODULE.
4. Advance understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms.
5. Introduce a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework.
6. Improve companion avalanche rescue skills including multiple and deep burials.
Itinerary
Day 1:
CLASSROOM
Instructor and Student Introductions, Course Objectives,
Course Itinerary and Logistics, Liability Release Forms
Avalanche Level 1 Course Quiz and Review
Case Study
Lunch Break
FIELD SESSION
Companion Rescue Upgrade
o Induction Method Review
o Rescue Leadership and Strategic Shoveling
o Multiple Burial Techniques
Return to Classroom
Mountain Weather
Review of Seasonal Snowpack
Formation and Classification of New Snow
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Day 2:
CLASSROOM
Pop Quiz/Review
Metamorphism, Sintering and Bonding
Weak Layers Characteristics
Snowpack Data Classes and Instability Factors
Intro to SWAG
Lunch Break
FIELD SESSION
Field Weather Demo
Full Snow Profile Demo
Return to classroom:
Recording Observations
NOTE: Students should make Obs and check avalanche bulletin before coming to class tomorrow
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Day 3:
CLASSROOM
Pop Quiz / Review
Making Observations Relevant
Comparison of Shear Quality and Fracture Character
Lunch Break
FIELD SESSION
Test Profiles
Large Column Tests
Gathering Information/Observations over Terrain
RETURN TO CLASSROOM
Intro Instability Factor Checklist and Analysis
Intro snow stability rating
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Day 4:
CLASSROOM
Pop Quiz / Review
AM Stability Analysis/AM Weather Update/Stability Forecast
Trip Planning and Risk Management for Small Groups
Lunch Break
FIELD SESSION
Group Tour
o Verify Stability Forecast
o Group Management / Terrain Selection/Travel Techniques
Return to Classroom
Tour Debrief
PM Instability Analysis
Course Close
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Cost: $349.00
Gear Rental Package: $40.00
includes: snowshoes, poles, gaiters, avalanche beacon and a shovel
Avalanche Level 2 Certification location:
The on snow portion of this class will start at 8:00am and meet at the Rocky Mountain Nature Center 1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado 80517. Please use Googlemaps for directions to Rocky Mountain Nature Center
Dates for Rocky Mountain National Park: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)
4 Days of classroom and on snow training in Rocky Mountain National Park for your field training. (Park fees are extra) occurs outside and in any weather conditions so come prepared for anything that Mother Nature might have in store for us.
Mar 20 - Mar 24 2010
Refund Policy
Classes cancelled 48 hours or more in advance are able to be rescheduled (subject to availability) without penalty. Within 48 hours of the class start time, funds are committed and you will be charged for the class. Refunds will only be given if RA Guides is unable to provide the class as described.
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