Avalanche processes and leadership

The level 2 course builds on what was learned in the level 1. Topics such as rescue, travel in avalanche terrain, snowpack metamorphism, and stability assessment are reviewed and covered in greater depth. Exceptions to Level 1 “rules” are introduced.

Forty percent of the course is classroom based and the other sixty percent is field based. We will travel in the backcountry, in and around avalanche terrain.

This course will cover the following:

1. • Weather history and how it applies to stability assessment
   

2. • Route selection and planning
   

3. • Multiple burials and advanced rescue techniques
   

4. • Advanced topics in snowpack metamorphism
   

5. • Documentation as per SWAG guidelines
   

6. • Advanced stability analysis:
   

7. - applying strength, structure & energy into a stability assessment
   

8. • Avalanche mechanics
   

9. • Route finding and group management in complex terrain
   

10. • Human factor traps, escapes and observations
    

11. • Decision making and group management
    

Course requirements

1. •Level 1 avalanche course
   

2. •Minimum of one season between the level 1 & level 2 used to apply the tools and strategies learned on a level 1.
   

time commitment

4-days or 40 hours

cost

$400

recommended reading

Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Tremper

Snow, Weather and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States (SWAG)

Sample Schedule

Level 2 schedule.pdf