AIARE Level 1: Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain
The level one course is a 24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. 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.
Student learning outcomes:
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
Who should attend? This course is open to members and non-members and is targeted at winter backcountry recreation. It is imperative that skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, climbers, and other users of the winter backcountry have basic avalanche awareness skills. This course will provide the basic foundation for these critical skills. Club guidelines now require that climb, ski and winter travel leaders be certified to Level 1 standards.
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course; however, students should familiarize themselves with winter backcountry travel. Students will also be required to either snowshoe or ski to the field trip location.
2012 Course Schedule: The course will consist of two lecture nights starting at 6:30 p.m. and two field trips. Students must attend all portions of the training to receive credit.
February 8, 2012 - 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., location TBD
February 9, 2012 - 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., location TBD
February 11, 2012 - All day; Snoqualmie Pass Mountaineer property
February 12, 2012 - All day; Snoqualmie Pass Mountaineer property
