Hi
A snowmobile specific AIARE Level 1 avalanche class will be offered in Central Oregon this January. The course content has been totally reworked to address how snowmobilers travel in the backcountry and the dangers they face.
At this point the course is full. However, we have scheduled a follow-up class on February 18-20. More than likely Feb 18 will be a classroom day in Bend, Oregon and the 19th and 20th will be on snow days somewhere in the Bend vicinity. Again, this is a new style AIARE snowmobile avy class, being pioneered in Central Oregon. I have included the basic Level 1 learning outline below.
The class is only $175, which is much less than the normal level 1 pricing. The first class filled up fast, and we already have a few committed, so let me know ASAP if you would like to participate.
Level 1 Learning Outline
The level one is a 3 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:
* Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
* Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
* Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
* Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.
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. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.
Student learning outcomes.
At the end of the Level One course the student 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
* Size classification
* The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
2. Observations and Information Gathering
* Field observation techniques
* Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
* Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
* Observation checklist
* Avalanche danger scale
3. Trip Planning and Preparation
* Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
* Route finding and travel techniques
* Decision making and Human Factors
4. Companion Rescue and Equipment
A snowmobile specific AIARE Level 1 avalanche class will be offered in Central Oregon this January. The course content has been totally reworked to address how snowmobilers travel in the backcountry and the dangers they face.
At this point the course is full. However, we have scheduled a follow-up class on February 18-20. More than likely Feb 18 will be a classroom day in Bend, Oregon and the 19th and 20th will be on snow days somewhere in the Bend vicinity. Again, this is a new style AIARE snowmobile avy class, being pioneered in Central Oregon. I have included the basic Level 1 learning outline below.
The class is only $175, which is much less than the normal level 1 pricing. The first class filled up fast, and we already have a few committed, so let me know ASAP if you would like to participate.
Level 1 Learning Outline
The level one is a 3 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:
* Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
* Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
* Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
* Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.
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. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.
Student learning outcomes.
At the end of the Level One course the student 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
* Size classification
* The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
2. Observations and Information Gathering
* Field observation techniques
* Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
* Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
* Observation checklist
* Avalanche danger scale
3. Trip Planning and Preparation
* Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
* Route finding and travel techniques
* Decision making and Human Factors
4. Companion Rescue and Equipment
Last edited:
