Avalanche Class Level 1, 3 days at Lassen National Park

March 11(evening in SF) & 13-14 (weekend in Lassen), 2010

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Register here for the class

If you are (or want to be) a backcountry skier, snowboarder, snowshoer or snowmachiner, you need to prepare yourself to make your own decisions about how and where to travel in avalanche terrain. The Outdoor Adventure Club's Level One Avalanche Class is designed to give students a decision making framework to aid in planning and executing trips into avalanche terrain. The Outdoor Adventure Club is an AIARE course provider, and students will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of this course.

Topics covered in full detail include:

Introduction to the avalanche phenomena

• Types and characteristics of avalanches

• Avalanche motion

• Size classification

• The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
  

Observations and Information Gathering

• Field observation techniques
• Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
• Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
• Observation checklist
• Avalanche danger scale

Trip Planning and Preparation

• Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
• Route finding and travel techniques
• Decision making and human factors
• Companion rescue and equipment

The course is three days long, with a mixture of classroom and field time. We operate these classes in two formats. The "standard" format is to spend three days in Lassen. The "Bay Area" format is to spend an evening in class in the bay area, and then spend two full days in Lassen. This "Bay Area" format allows busy people to take the course without having to take a day off of work.

The days are split fairly evenly between class and field time, when you'll develop knowledge of avalanches, and introduce a decision making framework to be utilized when planning and traveling in avalanche terrain. The last day is spent primarily in the field, on the "perfect tour", planned and executed with the decision making framework introduced in the course.You will practice companion rescue using an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, but you'll also learn valuable information to help you avoid avalanches in the first place.

Some backcountry travel is necessary during the course. Backcountry skis (randonee or telemark), snow shoes, and split boards are all acceptable means of transportation. Snowmachines are not allowed inside Lassen National Park.

You do not need to be a great skier to take this class. You do need to be able to travel in the backcountry.

A complete gear list will come with your confirmed reservation, but you should be ready with:

• On the snow transport (skis/ snowshoes/ splitboard)
• Personal avalanche gear (transceiver, shovel, probe)
  
• Clothing appropriate for the conditions
  

The Outdoor Adventure Club has transceivers, shovels, probes and a limited number of split boards available to rent during the course. OAC rental page

Accommodations:

Overnight accommodations are available in the town of Mineral, where the classroom sessions take place. We have a house rented in Mineral that will hold 8 people. You can stay in the house for three nights, starting the night before the class, for $100.

Hotel rooms may also be available at the Mineral Lodge.

Trip includes:

• All necessary wilderness use permits
• Instructors, trained by AIARE, and qualified to teach the class. Outdoor Adventure Club instructors are also experienced back country guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders, and trained by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)
• Group first aid kit
• The Outdoor Adventure Club operates with a Commercial Use Authorization in Lassen National Park

Where is this trip?

This is a map of the general area. Detailed driving directions to the meeting spot will come with your confirmation. The drive to Lassen from the bay area tends to be faster than driving to Tahoe. From the Bay Bridge, Lassen is 20 miles farther than Truckee, but the drive to Lassen avoids the traffic on 80 from Sacramento to Tahoe.

Pricing:
OAC Members: $300
Non-members: $360

Register here for the class

Trip Cancellation Policy