ASI - AIARE Avalanche Level 2 Upgrade/Refresher

Skiing Ability Level

Ski Technical Difficulty:

Mountain Skill Rating:

Physical Condition:

Includes:
Course handout material and the use of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.

Max class size:
6 with 1 Instructor

Operating under Special Use Permit, Tahoe National Forest.

AIARE Avalanche Level 2 Upgrade/Refresher 1-2 Day
Intrduction To SWAG - Level 3 Prep

This Level 2 follow-up is the best way to upgrade previous Level 2 courses. It will include an introduction to SWAG (Snow, Weather and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States). It can be taken as a 1-day course (Level 2 Upgrade - Intro to SWAG) or as a 2-day course (adding the Level 3 Prep).

This course is valuable as continuing education for Level 2 students and for those who need to meet a current AIARE Level 2 standard as a pre-requisite for AIARE Level 3, an AMGA Guides Course or other professional requirement. This course is extremely valuable for Level 3 candidates in helping prepare them for their certification exam.

Cost: $165 for 1-day
$330 for 2-day

Dates:

Jan 21, 2010 (Level 2 SWAG Upgrade)
Jan 22, 2010 (Level 3 Prep)

Day 1 Introduction to SWAG

Field Session (6 hrs):

Demonstration and student practice of field weather observations
Demonstration and practice of a full snow profile (study plot)
Demonstration and practice of the shovel tilt test, compression test, and shovel shear test
Demonstration and practice observing and recording an avalanche occurrence

Classroom Session (3 hrs):

Notebook format recording of a standard field weather observation
Notebook format recording of a full snow profile including results of snowpack tests
Graphic record of a full snow profile including temperature profile and results of snowpack tests
Student debrief, recommendation and counsel towards further education and practice

Day 2 Level 3 Prep

Classroom Session (3 hrs):

Map reading lesson
Use of a map tool for distances and slope angles
Group member assessment
Route selection
Written tour plan with time estimates to different locations

Field Session (6 hrs):

Personal gear/group gear inventory
Travel through different elevations and aspects to experience spacial variability
Appropriate test site locations and instability tests
Appropriate travel techniques including route finding, track setting and group management
Multiple burial rescue practice including deep burial

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