Summary

LEVEL I AIARE Avalanche Course (24hrs)

Prices From	USD$ $300.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	San Juan Mountain Guides, LLC
Destination	Southwest Colorado
Duration	3 days
Challenge
Avg Rating	Not Rated

The San Juan Mountains offer varied and complex terrain, consistent snowfall, and easy access for avalanche education. Utilizing picture-perfect ski terrain from gladed trees to open bowls, we teach skills such as terrain assessment, transceiver use, and snowpack analysis for safe travel and skiing in any backcountry location. The AIARE curriculum is the finest format for teaching avalanche assessment and will prepare you for making good decisions in any winter backcountry environment. The winter backcountry travel enthusiast is often at risk from potential avalanche hazard. The best protection from that risk is a thorough understanding of the hazard and the ability to assess the snowpack and surrounding terrain features. Our instructors are some of the most knowledgeable and experienced avalanche forecasters and snow science experts in the business. Techniques and skills covered include: Route-finding and terrain recognition Snowpack analysis - ruschblock test, shovel tap test, identifying weak layers, and other snow science analysis methods Weather considerations - snowfall rate, wind, sun, etc... Essential equipment Winter survival skills Backcountry travel protocols Avalanche beacons Rescuing the victim Snow science theory and methodology The San Juan Mountains offer varied and complex terrain, consistent snowfall, and easy access for avalanche education. Utilizing picture-perfect ski terrain from gladed trees to open bowls, we teach skills such as terrain assessment, transceiver use, and snowpack analysis for safe travel and skiing in any backcountry location. Both programs earn the participant an American Avalanche Association Level I ot Level II certificate of completion. This course will be based out of Ouray. The Level 1 Course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, avalanche terrain, decision making, and rescue. This is an ideal first course for those new to travel in avalanche terrain and a great review or upgrade for anyone who has some experience or prior training but feels they need a skills "tune-up." The Level 1 is designed as a stand-alone course for back-country travellers; it also serves and an introduction to avalanches and is a lead in to the AIARE Level 2 Course for those who wish to progress. Participants on a Level 1 Course can expect a minimum of about six hours of classroom instruction and about 10 to 12 hours of field instruction in the following subjects: . Types of avalanches . Characteristics of avalanches . An introduction to how avalanches form and release . Avalanche terrain . Trip planning and preparation . Travel techniques . Decision making . Avalanche rescue Prerequisites Students must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain. There are no other prerequisites.

Itinerary

Basic Course Info

AIARE LEVEL 1: DECISION MAKING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN The level one is a 24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course can be scheduled over 3 days or two evenings and one day or however the course provider sees fit. The course is expected to: * Provide a basic understanding of avalanches * Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain * Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.” * Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught). A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course. Student learning outcomes. At the end of the Level One course the student should be able to: * Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain. * Recognize avalanche terrain. * Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain. * Learn and apply effective companion rescue. Instructional sessions ( 24 hours including both class and field instruction) : 1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena * Types and characteristics of avalanches * Avalanche motion * Size classification * The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering 2. Observations and Information Gathering * Field observation techniques * Bonding tests: rutschblock, compression test, * Avalanche danger factors; “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 Student Prerequisites : Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain. There are no other prerequisites

Gear List

COURSE EQUIPMENT LIST: Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, Splitboard, or Snowshoes with:  Appropriate ski, snowboard, or snowshoe boots for extended backcountry usage.  Nylon climbing skins (if using skis or splitboard)  One pair of ski poles (preferably with large baskets)  One 457mGz Avalanche Transceiver  Avalanche Shovel  195cm or longer Avalanche Probe  30 Liter or larger Daypack   Appropriate personal clothing for extended periods outdoors in potentially harsh conditions. You will want to bring a little extra as we will not be constantly moving when we are outside.   Sunglasses Goggles 2pr Warm Gloves SJMG will provide avalanche beacons for anyone without. We also have a limited number of shovels and probes available, although you will definitely want your own if you plan on skiing more in the future. If you have any questions regarding equipment please call the SJMG office.

Travel Information

Activity Location

San Juan Mountains, Colorado
San Juan Mountains
Ouray, CO 81427 USA