THE COURSE VENUE IS AT BRUNDAGE Mountain SKI RESORT

Avalanche Science ASG2 course includes 3 field days, 4 hours of interactive classroom, and 8 hours of online material.

Prerequisite:

Able to ski deep powder snow and familiar with ski touring (on skis or split-board).

Ski tour 3 consecutive days for a cumulative up to a total of 6-8,000 vertical feet.

Pre-course material:

2-hour online

Course Format:

3 days of fieldwork and backcountry ski touring at Brundage Mountain and nearby Backcountry.

4-hour interactive classroom session with an instructor.

8-hours online video and multimedia material.

Learning Outcomes for REC1+ Module:

1. Gain an understanding of snow science: snow metamorphism and slab avalanche fracture mechanics. Anticipate the impact of weather in the snowpack. Track precipitation, wind, and temperature critical thresholds driving avalanche instability.
2. Make relevant weather, weather, and avalanche observations. Target observations relevant to the avalanche problem of the day.
3. Familiarity with CAA OGRS / AAA SWAG. Competency with ATES frameworks. Awareness of CMAH.
4. Recognize avalanche terrain and the role of slope angles. Identify, estimate, and measure slope angles and recognize terrain connectivity.
5. Develop terrain navigation tools and skills; Stability wheel, structural weaknesses, and reactivity tests.
6. Adopt safe travel protocols when traveling in avalanche terrain and recognize human factors impacting the safety of the team.
7. Introduce Avalanche Release Conceptual model and develop a systematic method for avalanche risk assessment and execution of safe travel plans.
8. Reliable identification of slab and weak layer structures in snow pits. Characterize snowpack structure reactivity with basic stability tests.

Learning Outcomes for RESCUE Module:

1. Gain an understanding of avalanche beacon technology.
2. Training in avalanche companion rescue techniques for D2 and D3 avalanches sizes.
3. Conduct transceiver functional verification at the trailhead.
4. Understanding of the value and the function of avalanche rescue equipment.
5. Demonstrate professional-level probing techniques.
6. Reliable single avalanche victim companion rescue.
7. Familiar with two-victims avalanche scenarios.
8. Effective communication during avalanche rescues.
9. Capable of generating Emergency Response Plans.
10. Internalize that an avalanche incident is a medical emergency, and develop familiarity with potential injuries and potential medical issues common on buried avalanche victims.
11. Develop awareness about the value of wilderness or outdoor medical training.