Avalanche I

COURSE OBJECTIVES
A student that successfully completes a course developed using the following guidelines should be able to: identify avalanche terrain; identify basic grain types, weak layers and strong layers; perform field tests to determine snow pack stability/instability; recognize weather and terrain factors contributing to instability; perform rescue through fast and efficient transceiver use; and apply safe-travel techniques.

COURSE PREREQUISITES
There are no prerequisites for the Level I Avalanche course. Some background reading and an avalanche awareness class may help you prepare for a Level I Avalanche course, but they are not necessary. A general level of fitness and equipment appropriate for the winter outdoors and local terrain are clearly necessary. Instructors should be able to provide a list of personal equipment necessary for the course.

Avalanche II

COURSE OBJECTIVES
A student that successfully completes our course set to the American Avalanche Association Guidelines should:

• Understand variability and complexity of avalanche terrain
• Identify grain types and the basic physical processes leading to them
• Perform and interpret common stability tests
• Apply objective decision making methods while traveling through avalanche terrain.

Students will learn Rutschblock, Tap, and other shear tests, ski cutting, terrain analysis, route finding, decision-making, anchors, survival, and rescue. Participants must have successfully completed Phase I and be able to travel efficiently on skis and/or snowboard. If there is sufficient interest, a snowmobile-oriented session will be offered.

COURSE PREREQUISITES
Everyone enrolling in a Level II Avalanche course should have completed a Level I Avalanche course. The previous course work should include a full 2- or 3- day Level I course. An evening or 1-day awareness class is not adequate. Inadequate preparation will reduce the effectiveness of the Level II course in furthering your avalanche education. In addition, students not adequately prepared for a Level II course reduce the ability of other students to learn because instructors must bring them up to speed. Finally, a student that has not had a course in recent years should consider a Level I course as a refresher before taking a Level II course.