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

$360


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

DATES & LOCATIONS:

Please click on a course to register!

Wyoming

  Jackson, 12/15/2009 - 12/18/2009
         Course Full (Waitlist Info)

  Jackson, 01/02/2010 - 01/05/2010
         Course Full (Waitlist Info)

  Jackson, 01/28/2010 - 01/31/2010
         Course Full (Waitlist Info)


Utah

  Salt Lake City, 12/14/2009 - 12/17/2009
         Course Full (Waitlist Info)

  The Canyons, 03/04/2010 - 03/07/2010
         Course Full (Waitlist Info)


Montana

  Bozeman, 02/22/2010 - 02/25/2010
         Course Full (Waitlist Info)

WALLOWA ALPINE HUTS

5 day Level 2

January 7 - 11, 2010

Reserve with Wallowa Alpine Huts - info@wallowahuts.com

or call 1-800-545- 5537