Alpine World Ascents

The AIARE level 2 avalanche course is designed for those seeking to further improve their avalanche safety skills and decision making competence. At the core of this course is the development of a deeper understanding of snow metamorphism, snow stability factors and observation standards. The level 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the level 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical factors leading to advanced decision making skills.

4 full days Thursday-Sunday (~40h) $420 per person; includes up-to-date course booklet, SWAG manual, AIARE field book, additional hand outs, a $20 voucher towards refresher course, certificate of completion. 

2011/12 schedule: JAN 12-15 / FEB 9-12 Berthoud Pass / MAR 15-18 Berthoud Pass. Contact us for your custom designed private course.  

Locations: day 1 9am-4pm at Empire / day 2-4 8am-6pm at Empire and Berthoud Pass.

This Level 2 avalanche course also includes the prerequisite components for the professional progression for the level 3 certification.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Advanced understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis.
• Discuss how the snowpack develops and metamorphoses over time; discuss the factors that contribute to spatial variability.
• Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats for factors that influence or indicate snow stability according to official SWAG guidelines.
• Introduction to avalanche release and triggering mechanisms.
• Learn a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework.
• Improve companion rescue skills including multiple and deep burials.

TOPICS COVERED (40 hours including both class and field) 

• Level 1 Review
• Energy balance, the mountain snowpack and metamorphism
• Importance of persistent weak layers: formation of near-surface and near-crust faceting, formation of surface hoar
• Skier Triggering Mechanisms: theory and observations
• 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
• Stability analysis checklist: reviewing critical factors
  - Stability ratings
  - Daily stability forecasts and analysis
• Trip Planning and hazard forecasting for avalanche terrain.
  - The avalanche danger ratings
  - Terrain analysis using maps/photos
  - Forecasting stability and variability
• Terrain selection and track setting
  - Travel techniques: Group and terrain management
  - Decision making
  - Human factors
• Information gathering
  - Site selection and relevancy
  - Spatial variability
  - Large and small column tests
• Companion Rescue
  - Level 1 techniques review
  - Multiple burial
  - Deep burials

PRE-REQUISITES

• Completion of AIARE level 1 avalanche course or similar.
• Students must be able to travel (backcountry touring skis or split snowboard, snow shoes) in avalanche terrain for up to 6 hours.
• And yesss, we will be getting turns!