OVERVIEW:
8 (Tuesday) 8:00 am – 10 (Thursday) 5:00 pm PST
Take your avalanche education to the next level. AIARE’s Recreational Level 2 (AIARE 2) is a three-day/24-hour course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision-making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where online resources are scarce.
The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.
STUDENT OUTCOMES:
- Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
- Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain prior to entering and while in the field.
- Demonstrate leadership skills within a small team that includes facilitating small group discussion, promoting appropriate terrain selection, and utilizing simple risk management strategies.
- Implement a basic forecasting framework that can be used in conjunction with and in the absence of local supporting avalanche information.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE:
The AIARE 2 is a three-day course for those who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue and have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision-making skills.
AIARE 2 COURSE OUTLINE:
Day 1: The Changing Mountain Snowpack
- AIARE 1 Review
- Mountain Weather
- The Layered Mountain Snowpack
- Trip Planning Review
- Snow Pit Profiles in the Field
Day 2: Making Quality Observations
- Avalanche Formation and Release
- Interpreting Weather Data, Snow Surface Conditions, and Snow Profiles
- Craftsmanship, Relevancy, and Verification of Snow Observations
- Risk Management in Small Groups
- Snowpack Test in the Field
Day 3: Applying Observations to Field Decisions
- Traveling in the Field as a Small Team
- Field Risk Management and During Action Review
Communicating Observations to our group, other travelers, and local experts
PREREQUISITES:
Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain. An AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent Rec Level 1 training is required. A winter of practical experience after the AIARE 1 course is strongly recommended before taking the AIARE 2 course. Also, participants must complete an AIARE or AAA approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course prior to taking the AIARE 2.
EQUIPMENT:
Required equipment for all avalanche courses: Equipment List
It is important to note: Course fees are all-inclusive and include AIARE related fees, manuals, gear shuttle, lodging (with sauna and hot tub), and food!
