AIARE Avalanche Class Level 2 in Lassen National Park

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 the backcountry. Join the Outdoor Adventure Club's AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Class: Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard.

The level 2 course is a 4 or 5 day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. The Level 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the level one and adds to it the evaluation of factors critical to stability evaluation.

 

The Level 2 avalanche class is ideal for backcountry leaders, recreational travelers interested in continuing their education beyond the Level 1, and anyone pursuing the Level 3 certificate.

 

We offer this course in two formats, a "standard" four day class and a five day class. The class needs to be 40 hours to meet the AIARE standard, and most providers offer the class in four days. We know it's a lot of information to cover in 4 days, and we've found that many/most people who take a standard four day class wish there was a fifth day available to do more field work, ask more questions, and really comprehend the information presented. We offer a five day version of this class to provide that opportunity.

 

Whether you choose a four or five day class, you're invited to stay in the OAC house in Mineral, a $100 option. Staying in the house with other students and your instructor is an oppportunity to discuss the material presented during the class, as well as get to know other backcountry skiers and snowboarders. We think it's a real benefit to our program.

 

The Outdoor Adventure Club is an AIARE course provider, and students will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of this course. Your completion of the course will also be recorded in AIARE's student database.

 

Topics covered in full detail include:

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

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.
   

Instructional Sessions (40 hours including 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 observations
6. International and national snow, weather and avalanche observation and recording guidelines (SWAG).
   - Weather; interpreting forecasts, recording and observation techniques
   - Snow profile techniques and bonding tests
   - Avalanche observations and recording techniques
7. Stability analysis checklist: reviewing critical factors
   - Stability ratings
   - Daily stability forecasts and analysis
8. Trip Planning and hazard forecasting for avalanche terrain.
   - The avalanche danger ratings
   - Terrain analysis using maps/photos
   - Forecasting stability and variability
9. Terrain selection and route finding
   - Group management and hazard management
   - Decision making
   - Human factors
10. Information gathering
    - Site selection and relevancy
    - Spatial variability
    - Slope tests
11. Companion Rescue
    - Level 1 techniques review
    - Multiple burial strategies
    - Shoveling techniques

Student Prerequisites: Students must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain. An AIARE Level 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent training/experience is required. A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is recommended before taking the Level 2 course.

 

Backcountry travel is necessary during the course. Backcountry skis with skins, (randonee or telemark), snow shoes, and split boards with skins 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, but you do need to be able to move over the snow.

 

Accommodations:

Overnight accommodations are available in the town of Mineral, where the classroom sessions take place. We have a house rented in Mineral that can hold 10 people. You can stay in the house for each night that you are enrolled in the Level 2 course, starting the night before the class. The price for staying in the house during the class is $100 total.

 

Hotel rooms may also be available at the Mineral Lodge. Last time we checked rooms there were $80/night.