The AIARE Level 2 course is a 4-day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills.
The AIARE 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the level one and adds to it the evaluation of factors critical to stability evaluation.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Advance understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis.
- Discuss how the snowpack develops and metamorphoses over time; and discuss the factors that contribute to spatial variability.
- Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats for factors that influence or indicate snow stability. SWAG MODULE.
- Advance understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms.
- Introduce a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework.
- Improve companion rescue skills including multiple and deep burials.
Instructional Sessions (40 hours including both class and field) include:
- AIARE 1 Review
- Energy balance, the mountain snowpack and metamorphism
- Faceting; near surface and near crust faceting
- Formation of surface hoar and persistent weak layers
- Skier Triggering: theory and observations
- International and national snow, weather and avalanche observation and recording guidelines (SWAG).
- Weather; interpreting forecasts, recording and observation techniques
- Snow profile techniques and bonding tests
- Avalanche observations and recording techniques
- Stability analysis checklist: reviewing critical factors
- Stability ratings
- Daily stability forecasts and analysis
- Trip Planning and hazard forecasting for avalanche terrain.
- The avalanche danger ratings
- Terrain analysis using maps/photos
- Forecasting stability and variability
- Terrain selection and route finding
- Group management and hazard management
- Decision making
- Human factors
- Information gathering
- Site selection and relevancy
- Spatial variability
- Slope tests
- Companion Rescue
- AIARE 1 techniques review
- Multiple burial
- Shovel techniques
Student Prerequisites: Students must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain. An AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent training/experience is required. A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is required before taking the AIARE 2 course.
Recommended Equipment List
When
January 9th, 2015 8:00 AM to January 12th, 2015 4:00 PM