Avalanche Level 2
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.
40 hours over 4 full days (Thursday-Sunday or 2 consecutive weekends) $400 per person; includes SWAG manual, up-to-date course booklet, additional hand outs, a $20 voucher towards refresher course, certificate of completion.
2009/10 schedule: JAN 14-17 / FEB 11-14 (changed date) / MAR 6-7 & 13-14 (Boulder/Loveland Pass). Contact us for your custom designed private course.
For more information or if you have trouble signing up online, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Locations: day 1 9am-4pm at The Spot climbing gym in Boulder / day 2 8am-6pm at CU Boulder and Caribou Mountain / day 3-4 8am-6pm at Empire town hall and Loveland 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; and 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.
- Advanced understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms.
- Introduce 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: 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 route finding
- Travel techniques: Group management 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!
