AIARE Avalanche Level 1

The Avalanche Level I: Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain introduces you to avalanche hazards. You will learn the basics of how to recognize these hazards, how to manage them, how to minimize them, and finally how to respond in case of an emergency.

We spend the course building upon a decision making process that helps you decide where, how, and when to travel.

Students will come away from the course with the following information:

* How to prepare and plan for a tour,

* How to analyze an avalanche forecast,

* How to identify avalanche terrain & avalanche types

* How to recognize hazardous conditions,

* Basic snowpack understanding,

* Basics of route selection/terrain features,

* Basic tests techniques and interpretation,

* Educated decision making,

* Basic rescue techniques,

* Group management.

You can expect to gain an understanding of safe travel in a winter environment, what sorts of hazards to watch for and the various pressures that weigh on the decision making process.

The course will be 3 consecutive days long, beginning at 8:30am and going to 5:30pm.

Bring your touring equipment, each day has a field component. The days are long, so be prepared with snacks, water, and lunch for the field sessions.

Who should consider attending the Level I:

• Outdoor enthusiasts who travel in avalanche terrain.

• People who live or work in or near avalanche terrain.

• Anyone who in interested in avalanche awareness and decision making in avalanche terrain.

Prerequisites:

Participants should have a willingness to learn, enthusiasm for the backcountry experience and actively participate in the course.

Recommended Reading - Snow Sense by Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler

Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper

Course Description: AIARE Avalanche Level I

Course Cost: $350

Course Dates: March 31, April 1 & 7, 2012 8:00am-6pm

Course Leader: Sarah Carter

Equipment: Bring your winter backcountry travel gear, ie. randonnee/telemark skis, snowshoes, split board, or snowmachine. And avalanche rescue equipment: transceiver, probe, and shovel. See equipment list online.

Classroom Location: PWSCC Rm. 109B

Directions: Upon entering Valdez via the Richardson Highway, follow Egan Drive through town, turn right on Hazelet St., travel a few blocks, then turn right on Lowe St. Continue to end and enter the PWSCC parking lot.

Field Locations: Thompson Pass and Valdez

Food & Lodging Logistics:There are two hotels and a number of B&B's in Valdez. The Mountain Sky Hotel (1-800-478-4445) offers AAIC students a discounted rate. There is one grocery store, a whole foods store and several restaurants in Valdez.

Class Registration:

To sign up for the Level I please fill out the registration form, include full tuition or pay online with Pay Pal, and submit to AAIC by post or email. Upon receipt of your registration, AAIC will send you further class information.

AIARE Curriculum

The AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) was founded to provide instructors with the tools to educate students about the knowledge and decision making skills necessary to travel in avalanche terrain.

There is no nationally recognized curriculum for avalanche education in the USA. There are many avalanche courses and programs available, but in large part, course providers operate according to their own personal beliefs and ideas. There are few means for the public to assess the quality of an avalanche course or instructor.

AIARE was formed to address this situation. They have developed and continue to develop standardized curriculum for a complete program of avalanche courses that meets the needs of students at all levels, from recreational to professional and from novice to advanced.

AIARE has created and will continue to create course materials for instructors and students to maximize the effectiveness of both teachers and learners. They require instructors to meet pre-requisites and attend a training session before they are allowed access to AIARE materials and curriculum. In addition, instructors are required to sign an agreement stating they will abide by the guidelines established by AIARE and they are required to attend regular refreshers to maintain and improve their avalanche knowledge, instructional skills, and their understanding of the evolving AIARE curriculum and materials.

Alaska Avalanche Information Center PO Box 911 Valdez, AK 99686

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