Renaissance Adventure Guides

Avalanche Training

AIARE - Avalanche Level 2 Certification

Prerequisite: AIARE Level 1 certification or similar experience is required to participate in this course. Students must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain. A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is recommended before taking the Level 2 course.

$349/student 
7:1 student to instructor ratio
Minimum of 4 needed to run this course

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 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 rescue skills including multiple and deep burials.

Itinerary

Day 1
CLASSROOM
Instructor and Student Introductions, Course Objectives,
Course Itinerary and Logistics, Liability Release Forms
Level 1 Quiz and Review
Case Study
LUNCH

Field Session
Companion Rescue Upgrade
• Induction Method Review
• Rescue Leadership and Strategic Shoveling
• Multiple Burial Techniques
Return to Classroom
Mountain Weather
Review of Seasonal Snowpack
Formation and Classification of New Snow

Day 2
CLASSROOM
Pop Quiz/Review
Metamorphism, Sintering and Bonding
Weak Layers Characteristics
Snowpack Data Classes and Instability Factors
Intro to SWAG
Lunch

FIELD SESSION
Field Weather Demo
Full Snow Profile Demo
Return to classroom:
Recording Observations
NOTE: Students should make observations and check avalanche bulletin before coming to class tomorrow

Day 3
CLASSROOM
Pop Quiz / Review
Making Observations Relevant
Comparison of Shear Quality and Fracture Character
Lunch

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

Day 4
CLASSROOM
Pop Quiz / Review
AM Stability Analysis/AM Weather Update/Stability Forecast
Trip Planning and Risk Management for Small Groups

FIELD SESSION
Group Tour
• Verify Stability Forecast
• Group Management / Terrain Selection/Travel Techniques
Return to Classroom
Tour Debrief
PM Instability Analysis
Course Close 

Recommended Gear for Avalanche Level 2 Course

Personal Equipment:
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 bladders do not work well or at all in cold temps) and Thermos
• Lunch and snacks
• Pack (large enough for all equipment on day ski-tours)


Backcountry Travel:
• Snow travel equipment. Snowshoes telemark or alpine touring skis and split boards are acceptable. Nordic (cross country) ski gear is not adequate for backcountry travel in avalanche terrain.
• Boots. Must be warm and compatible with your snow travel gear. If you are using snow shoes, you should have some sort of double boots (Sorel or other “pac” type boots). Hiking boots are not warm enough.
• Collapsible ski poles (trekking poles are only adequate if they are equipped with snow baskets)

Rescue Equipment:
• Avalanche probe
• Collapsible shovel
• Avalanche transceiver (rescue beacon)

Other Equipment:
• Snow saw or folding pruning saw (approx. 40cm blade)
• Snow thermometer (graduated in degrees Celsius). Dial stem and/or glass/alcohol types are commonly used. Electronic thermometers are acceptable but have limitations for snow profile work.
• Crystal identification screen. Dark color, metal screen is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
• Magnifier (8x or 10x RECOMMENDED).
• Folding rule (graduated in centimeters required. 2 meter length).
• Compass (Optional, compass with clinometers or bring separate clinometers RECOMMENDED)
• Altimeter (Optional)
• Pencil and spare
• Pocket Knife

Location and Dates

Classes will be based out of the Rocky Mountain Nature Center in Estes Park, Colorado and field sessions will be in Rocky Mountain National Park. (8:00 am - 6:00pm)

Class 1:
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010

Class 2:
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010

Get 5 or more people together and we will run a private course on the dates of your choice.

Call 303-988-2943 or email info@raguides.com if you have any questions.

Cancellation (Refund) Policy

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