Avalanche Level 1The AIARE level 1 avalanche course provides a complete, hands-on introduction to the avalanche phenomenon combining both classroom and field sessions. With a methodical learning process and practical lessons, students achieve a thorough knowledge base for critical decision making. Core topics are terrain recognition, tour planning, observation techniques, decision making, human factor, rescue techniques.
2 evenings and 2 full days or 3 full days (approx. 24 hours) $345 per person; includes up-do-date course book, AIARE field book, additional hand outs, a $20 voucher towards either refresher and level 2 course, certificate of completion. Locations: Boulder/Empire or Boulder/Estes Park (classroom sessions), Berthoud Pass or Rocky Mountain National Park (field sessions).
2011/12 Schedule: DEC 8-11 BP / DEC 15-18 BP / JAN 5-8 BP / JAN 27-29 RMNP / FEB 2-5 BP / FEB 24-26 RMNP / MAR 8-11 BP / MAR 23-25 BP (3 full days). Contact us for your custom designed private course.
Locations: Thursday/Friday 6:30-9:30pm CU Boulder; Saturday/Sunday 8am- 5:30pm either at Empire and Berthoud Pass or Estes Park and RMNP depending on specific date and course location.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
This avalanche level 1 course is designed to:
- Provide a fundamental understanding of avalanche safety.
- Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain.
- Focus on identifying the right questions (field observations), rather than on providing black&white “answers".
- Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful and applicable in the field.
At the end of the avalanche evel 1 course the student will be able to:
- Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
- Recognize avalanche terrain.
- Utilize a basic framework for critical decision making in avalanche terrain.
- Perform an effective companion rescue.
TOPICS COVERED (~24 hours including both class and field instruction) :
1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
- Types and characteristics of avalanches
- Avalanche size classification systems
- The mountain snowpack: introduction to weather, snow metamorphism and snowpack layering
- Avalanche danger scale
- Companion rescue and equipment
2. Observations and Information Gathering
- Field observation techniques
- Instability tests: large and small column tests
- Observation checklist
- Avalanche danger factors and “Red Flags”
- Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
- Trip Planning and Preparation
- Track setting and travel techniques
- Decision making and Human Factors
PREREQUISITES
Students must be able to travel (backcountry touring skis or split snowboard, snow shoes) in avalanche terrain for up to 5 hours. And yesss, we will be getting turns!
