ALL NEW! AIARE LEVEL 2 AVALANCHE CERTIFICATION
For the first time ever, Expedition:Kirkwood is now offering a Level 2 AIARE Certification Course!
The Level Two course is a 4-day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. It builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the level one; adds to it the evaluation of factors critical to stability evaluation. While the Level I course focuses upon field techniques to answer the question “how stable is this snowpack?” the Level II course gets to the question of “Why is the snowpack stable or unstable?” and develops an understanding of snowpack formation, metamorphism, avalanche formation and release. This is an introductory snow science course and we also introduce the observation guidelines and recording standards for factors that influence and indicate snowpack stability as well as a process for stability analysis and forecasting.
This course is designed for those who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding of snow stability and snow stability factors and it also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional progression, the Level Three.
*Student Prerequisite – Students must have the ability to travel in Avalanche terrain. A prior AIARE Level 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent training/experience is required.
Instructional Sessions (40 hours both class and field) include:
1. Level 1 review
2. Energy balance, the mountain snowpack and metamorphism
3. Faceting; near surface and near crust faceting
4. Formation of surface hoar and persistent weak layers
5. Skier Triggering; theory and observation
6. International and national snow, weather and avalanche observations and recording guidelines
a. Weather; interoperating forecast; recording and observations techniques
b. Snow profile techniques and bonding test
c. Avalanche observations and recording techniques
7. Stability analysis checklist; reviewing critical factors
a. Stability ratings
b. Daily stability forecasts and analysis
8. Trip Planning and hazard forecasting for avalanche terrain.
a. The avalanche danger ratings
b. Terrain analysis using maps
c. Forecasting stability and variability
9. Terrain selection and route finding
a. Group management and hazard management
b. Decision making
c. Human factors
10. Information gathering
a. Site selection and relevancy
b. Spatial variable
c. Slope tests
11. Companion rescue
a. Level 1 techniques review
b. Multiple burial
c. Shovel techniques
Once you have signed up we will send you a confirmation page with a more detailed equipment list, basic timelines and course schedule. Call Expedition:Kirkwood at 209.258.7360 to reserve your space today!
AIARE LEVEL 1: DECISION MAKING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN
The level one is a 3 day/24 hour introduction course to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught). A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the completion of AIARE Level 1 students should be able to:
• Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain
• Recognize avalanche terrain
• Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain
• Learn and apply effective companion rescue
Instructional Sessions: (24 hours including both class and field instruction)
1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
• Types and characteristics of avalanches
• Avalanche motion and size classifications
• The mountain snowpack; an introduction to metamorphism and layering
2. Observations and Information Gathering
• Field observation techniques
• Snow column tests
• Avalanche danger factors;”Red Flags”
• Observation Checklists
• Avalanche danger scale
3. Trip Planning and preparation
4. Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment and selection
5. Route finding and travel techniques
6. Decision making and the human factors
7. Companion rescue and equipment
COURSE ITINERARY
This course requires 24 hours of indoor and field time so it is imperative that all classes start on time
Day One:
Starts inside with 4 to 5 hours of classroom lecture and moves outside for 3 to 4 hours of transceiver and snow tests. No Ski/snowboard equipment is needed for day one. We will, however, be spending time outside on snow so be sure to dress appropriately with snow boots and winter clothing.
Day Two:
Day two will again start inside with 3 to 4 hours of classroom lecture and review of previous days materials. Ski or Snowboard equipment and a pass or lift ticket is required for day two as 4 to 5 hours will be spent outside on the mountain within the ski area boundaries working on identifying avalanche terrain and properly moving through it. Different varieties of downhill travel techniques will be discussed. Touring gear is not required for day two.
Day Three:
Day Three will meet in the classroom for a quick review and trip planning preparation. The rest of the day will be spent outside in avalanche terrain on a backcountry tour. We will explore uphill and downhill travel techniques, explore avalanche terrain, look for terrain traps, and trigger points, start zones and avalanche paths. Touring gear is required; alpine touring gear, telemark equipment or splitboards and appropriate skins (Snowshoes are not allowed).
View the full list of necessary equipment here.
For more information or to make a reservation contact Expedition:Kirkwood at 209.258.7360 or via email at expediton@kirkwood.com
AVALANCHE AWARENESS
For those who aren't sure if they're ready for the AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Course (description below), our Avalanche Awareness Course provides a great introduction to avalanche awareness and will create a solid foundation upon which to build skills in the AIARE Course. Learn the basic skills needed to venture safely inside resort boundaries or into basic lift accessed backcountry terrain in this 3 to 4 hour course. Course includes avalanche awareness and avoidance, equipment usage, snow observations and safe terrain travel techniques. Clinics are lead by Expedition Guides and are limited to 8-10 participants. Strong Intermediate through upper skill level needed.
Start time is 9:00am sharp. Clinics fill up quickly; advanced reservations recommended. For this introduction course, backpack, shovel, probe and transceiver are not required; however, if you have your own gear please bring it with you. Guides will have gear for demonstration purposes only.
PRICING AND DATES FOR 2010/11
Check back with us in September for dates and pricing for all Expedition:Kirkwood clinics and camps.
To register for Avalanche Awareness or learn more about which course is right for you, contact Expedition:Kirkwood at 209.258.7360.
