Missoula Avalanche

FREE Avalanche Awareness | Know Before You Go | Missoula, MT
2022-12-14 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Boise) | University of Montana, UC Theatre, University Center, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, Montana, 59812
Event: Avalanche Awareness | Know Before You Go
Format: In-person presentation, free and open to the public.
Location: University of Montana, UC Theatre, Room: 311
Date: Wednesday, 12.14.2022
Time: 6-7:30 PM MT
Price: FREE!
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in learning about avalanches!
Registration: Due to limited seating capacity, pre-registration is required. Please complete and submit the registration form below to secure your spot.
KBYG Avalanche Awareness:
When you go into snow-covered mountains, you are entering avalanche country. Understanding what avalanches are, how they form, where they occur, and how to avoid them can save your life. The Know Before You Go (KBYG) Avalanche Awareness program is designed and delivered by experienced avalanche professionals. These events are excellent opportunities to prepare for the season ahead, better understand the dangers of avalanches, and learn simple steps to help you and your group stay safe.
In this 1.5-hour free KBYG avalanche awareness session, American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro Educator Jane Quinn introduces how avalanches happen, what they look like, and how to avoid them. Through video footage, photos, and engaging dialog, you will learn why you should be avalanche aware and how to be prepared when traveling in the backcountry. We’ll talk about gear, terrain, the snowpack, and how to get out and enjoy the backcountry safely!
Topics Covered:

Avalanche types
Avalanche terrain
Weather observations and considerations
Avalanche advisory and forecast information
Trip planning and preparation
Travel techniques
Group dynamics and discussion
Guidance on how, where, and when to learn more about avalanches.

Registration information:

FREE Event: Avalanche Awareness, Know Before You Go | 12/14/2022, 6-7:30 PM | UM UC Theatre, Room: 311
Please complete and submit the information below.

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Backcountry Experience (None required for Avalanche Awareness)Never beenGo a few times each winterGet out frequentlyBackcountry Travel (Preferred mode of winter backcountry travel)SkiSplitboardSnowmobileSnowshoeNordicOtherPrevious Avalanche Courses Taken (If any: course level & date)

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FREE Motorized Avalanche Awareness | Russell Motorsports
2022-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Russell Motorsports Missoula
Event: Motorized Avalanche Awareness
Format: In-person Ride Rasmussen Style presentation
Date: Friday, December 2nd, 2022
Location: Russell Motorsports, 5106 East Harrier, Missoula, MT, 59808
Time: 6-8 PM MT
Price: FREE!
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in learning about avalanches!
Registration: None required. This event is free and open to the public
Motorized Avalanche Awareness:
In this motorized-specific avalanche awareness session, instructor Kevin Allred and snowmobile legend Bret Rasmussen will introduce how avalanches happen and how to avoid them. Through video footage, photos, and engaging dialogue, you will learn why you should be avalanche aware and how to be prepared when riding in the backcountry. They’ll talk about gear, terrain, snowpack, and the next steps.
This event supports avalanche information and education for the growing motorized community and includes outstanding giveaways and prizes. We hope to see you there and look forward to answering your questions about how to get out and enjoy the mountains safely!
Motorized Avalanche Awareness sessions are designed for current and aspiring backcountry mountain riders.
Topics Covered:

Avalanche types
Avalanche terrain
Weather observations and considerations
Avalanche center observations and forecast information
Trip planning and preparation
Travel techniques
Group dynamics and discussion
Educational resources, training opportunities, and next steps

Additional information:

16th Annual Pray for Snow
2022-10-21 17:00 - 22:00
As the colors change and the days grow shorter, we dream of frosty mornings, reading avalanche forecasts, moving through snow-filled mountains, and having fun in the backcountry. But before the snow begins to fly and stick up high, before we can play in the snow…the community comes together to Pray for Snow!
The biggest backcountry bash in Montana is BACK! We invite you to bring your snow-loving friends down to Caras Park to drink local beer, eat great food, and dance to the music. Enter the raffle, and you can walk away with some excellent gear from Black Crows, BCA, The North Face, Black Diamond, MSR, Dynafit, and Mammut, as well as gifts from some of your favorite local artists and businesses.
Let’s harness the rich history of the Pray for Snow tradition and celebrate winter on behalf of the West Central Montana Avalanche Center. Through continued community support, we provide the avalanche information and education you need to stay out of harm’s way and enjoy your time in the mountains. Showing up in support of your local avalanche center helps us ensure the services you rely on and keep the growing backcountry community safe.
Tell your friends and spread the word: winter is near, and it’s time to Pray for Snow! Check out the silent auction and raffle page HERE to bid on items starting October 17th, and join us at Caras Park on October 21st from 5 – 10 pm. We will announce winners at 9:30 pm on the Caras stage, and though you don’t have to be present to win, we’d sure love to see you there!
All proceeds from this event help pay for the avalanche forecasting and education you need to make wise decisions in the backcountry and return home safely each day.

Let's Talk Backcountry Travel | Community Resources
2022-02-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Webinar
Event: Let’s Talk Backcountry Travel | Community Resources
Format: Online | Zoom Webinar
Date: Thursday, 2/24/2022
Time: 7-8:30 PM MST
Price: FREE
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in connecting with fellow backcountry travelers and learning about regional resources!
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Please reference the Zoom registration information below.
Description:
Whether preparing to venture out for the first time, becoming better acquainted with the area, or seeking touring partners, this event connects you to community resources and fellow backcountry enthusiasts.
Led by local backcountry recreationist Brook Lenox, the evening begins with basics and beta to note for approaching backcountry recreation in west-central Montana. These topics segue into brief presentations from West Central Montana Avalanche Center Director Jeff Carty and National Weather Service NOAA Meteorologist Joe Messina. Afterward, the scope shifts to engaging with and among the audience.
Topics:

How to approach and transition into winter backcountry recreation
How to familiarize yourself with backcountry zones
Avalanche information
Weather information
Backcountry basics and preparedness
Touring partners
Educational opportunities and next steps

Objective:
This unique event connects the growing community to critical and essential resources and fosters camaraderie among backcountry travelers. Working together, we can continue creating the most fun, safe, and responsible backcountry community possible.
Registration:
Click HERE to register.

Avalanche Level 1 | Lolo Pass Backcountry
2022-02-22 18:00 - 2022-02-27 18:00
Format:
2 part classroom component + 2-day field component
Student to instructor ratio 4:1
Class size: 12 participants
Date | Location:
Classroom Component | Tuesday 2.22.22 & Thursday 2.24.22 | Zoom Virtual Classroom 6 – 10 PM MST | 8 Hours Total
Field Component | Saturday 2.26.22 & Sunday 2.27.22 | Lolo Pass Backcountry 8 AM – 4 PM MST | 16 Hours Total
Price: $450.00
Avalanche Level 1
The Avalanche Level 1 course curriculum is designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers. This course focuses on developing a solid foundation in avalanche knowledge and backcountry travel skills. Following the American Avalanche Association (A3) guidelines, instructors cover systematic approaches for sorting and prioritizing information in the complex decision-making environment in the backcountry. Forty percent of the course is classroom-based, and sixty percent is field-based. Participants complete two evening classroom sessions and spend two full days traveling in and around backcountry avalanche terrain.
This course focuses on the following:

Basic avalanche terminology
Recognizing avalanche terrain
Travel procedures in avalanche terrain
Formation of the mountain snowpack
How weather changes the snowpack
Human factors and how they can influence decision-making
Interpreting the avalanche forecast and advisory
Tour planning
Avalanche transceiver use and rescue skills
Field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather
Use and interpretation of stability tests
Prioritizing information, working as a team, and minimizing possible human factor traps
Next steps

Course includes:

All workbooks and instruction.

Participants provide:

Their own Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding Equipment
Avalanche Beacon, Shovel, Probe
Transportation to and from the course location
Their own food and water on field days

Course Registration:

Avalanche Level 1 | Lolo Pass | 2/8/22 - 2/13/22
2022-02-08 18:00 - 2022-02-13 18:00
Format:
2 part classroom component + 2-day field component
Student to instructor ratio 4:1
Class size: 12 participants
Date | Location:
Classroom Component | Tuesday 2.8.22 & Thursday 2.10.22 | Zoom Virtual Classroom 6 – 10 PM MST | 8 Hours Total
Field Component | Saturday 2.12.22 & Sunday 2.13.22 | Lolo Pass Backcountry 8 AM – 4 PM MST | 16 Hours Total
Price: $450.00
Avalanche Level 1
The Avalanche Level 1 course curriculum is designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers. This course focuses on developing a solid foundation in avalanche knowledge and backcountry travel skills. Following the American Avalanche Association (A3) guidelines, instructors cover systematic approaches for sorting and prioritizing information in the complex decision-making environment in the backcountry. Forty percent of the course is classroom-based, and sixty percent is field-based. Participants complete two evening classroom sessions and spend two full days traveling in and around backcountry avalanche terrain.
This course focuses on the following:

Basic avalanche terminology
Recognizing avalanche terrain
Travel procedures in avalanche terrain
Formation of the mountain snowpack
How weather changes the snowpack
Human factors and how they can influence decision-making
Interpreting the avalanche forecast and advisory
Tour planning
Avalanche transceiver use and rescue skills
Field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather
Use and interpretation of stability tests
Prioritizing information, working as a team, and minimizing possible human factor traps
Next steps

Course includes:

All workbooks and instruction.

Participants provide:

Their own Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding Equipment
Avalanche Beacon, Shovel, Probe
Transportation to and from the course location
Their own food and water on field days

Course Registration:

Avalanche Level 1 | Lolo Pass | 2/1/22 - 2/6/22
2022-02-01 18:00 - 2022-02-06 18:00
Format:
2 part classroom component + 2-day field component
Student to instructor ratio 4:1
Class size: 12 participants
Date | Location:
Classroom Component | Tuesday 2.1.22 & Thursday 2.3.22 | Zoom Virtual Classroom 6 – 10 PM MST | 8 Hours Total
Field Component | Saturday 2.5.22 & Sunday 2.6.22 | Lolo Pass Backcountry 8 AM – 4 PM MST | 16 Hours Total
Price: $450.00
Avalanche Level 1
The Avalanche Level 1 course curriculum is designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers. This course focuses on developing a solid foundation in avalanche knowledge and backcountry travel skills. Following the American Avalanche Association (A3) guidelines, instructors cover systematic approaches for sorting and prioritizing information in the complex decision-making environment in the backcountry. Forty percent of the course is classroom-based, and sixty percent is field-based. Participants complete two evening classroom sessions and spend two full days traveling in and around backcountry avalanche terrain.
This course focuses on the following:

Basic avalanche terminology
Recognizing avalanche terrain
Travel procedures in avalanche terrain
Formation of the mountain snowpack
How weather changes the snowpack
Human factors and how they can influence decision-making
Interpreting the avalanche forecast and advisory
Tour planning
Avalanche transceiver use and rescue skills
Field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather
Use and interpretation of stability tests
Prioritizing information, working as a team, and minimizing possible human factor traps
Next steps

Course includes:

All workbooks and instruction.

Participants provide:

Their own Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding Equipment
Avalanche Beacon, Shovel, Probe
Transportation to and from the course location
Their own food and water on field days

Course Registration:

Motorized AIARE 1 | Seeley, MT | 1/25/22 - 1/30/22
2022-01-25 - 2022-01-30
Motorized AIARE Level 1 Course

Format:
24 hours of instruction with the Mountain Riding Lab
2 part virtual classroom component + 2-day field component

70/30 field/classroom split, this course emphasizes riding time and teaches the fundamental aspects of the AIARE risk management process and decision making with respect to backcountry snowmobiling and snow biking in avalanche terrain.

Student to instructor ratio 6:1
Class size: 12 participants maximum.
Date | Time | Location:
Classroom Component | Tuesday 1.25.22 & Thursday 1.27.22 | Zoom Virtual Classroom 6 – 8 PM MST | 4 Hours Total
Field Component | Saturday 1.29.22 & Sunday 1.30.22 | Seeley-Swan Backcountry 8 AM – 6 PM MST | 20 Hours Total
Price: $495.00
The Motorized AIARE 1 is a 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management specifically designed for snowmobilers and snow bikers. This course addresses more than rescue and awareness; it is for those who intentionally want to travel in or through avalanche terrain and want to learn how to work with a group to manage their avalanche risk. Throughout a Motorized AIARE 1 course, AIARE Instructors identify and focus on unique elements of motorized backcountry travel, focusing on snowmobilers’ unique use of terrain, speed of travel, and group communication. With a 70/30 field/virtual split, this course emphasizes riding time and covers topics such as avalanche rescue techniques and equipment; preparation, planning, and execution of a backcountry ride based on avalanche conditions; how to track the season’s snowpack and interpret an avalanche bulletin; avalanche terrain identification, hazard mitigation and safe travel techniques; weather, snowpack, and stability analysis. This is the essential course for any backcountry snowmobiler and there are no prerequisites. All participants receive an AIARE 1 certification after completion.

Participants must have:

snowmobile or snow bike (reliable and appropriate for mountain riding)​
avalanche rescue gear (digital avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
backpack (airbag pack optional)
appropriate riding gear, extra layers, and food for a full day on the snow
basic ability to ride off-trail in varied terrain and deep snow, or single-track behind a leader in off-trail terrain.
the appropriate trail sticker or state registration for your machine (or required trail passes for the riding area)
transportation to and from classroom and field locations with your machine

What You’ll Learn
During an AIARE 1 course, you’ll spend time learning these skills, both in a classroom setting and in the field:

A repeatable process for managing risk in the winter backcountry
Identifying avalanche hazard
Developing a plan for travel in avalanche terrain
Identifying avalanche terrain
Build habits to maintain awareness, communicate with your group, and make decisions
Learn and practice avalanche rescue skills

Further details will be sent upon registration. Pre-Registration is required. Maximum 12 students.
Course Registration:
CLOSED

FREE Avalanche Awareness | Virtual Classroom
2021-12-08 18:00 - 19:30
Event: Avalanche Awareness Session
Format: Online | Virtual Classroom
Date: 12.8.21 | Time: 6-7:30 | PM MST
Price: FREE!
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in learning about avalanches!
Class Size Maximum: 50 participants
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Please complete the registration information below.
Avalanche Awareness:
In this 1 to 1.5-hour free avalanche awareness session, American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro educators introduce how avalanches happen, what they look like, and how to avoid them. Through video footage, photos, and engaging dialog, you will learn about why you should be avalanche aware and how to be prepared when you travel in the backcountry. We’ll talk about gear, terrain, snowpack and answer your questions about how to get out and enjoy the backcountry safely!
Avalanche Awareness sessions are designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers.
Topics Covered:

Avalanche types
Avalanche terrain
Weather observations and considerations
Avalanche advisory and forecast information
Trip planning and preparation
Travel techniques
Group dynamics and discussion
Educational opportunities and next steps

Registration information:
Click HERE and reserve your spot today!

FREE Avalanche Awareness | Virtual Classroom
2021-12-01 18:00 - 19:30
Event: Avalanche Awareness Session
Format: Online | Virtual Classroom
Date: 12.1.21 | Time: 6-7:30 | PM MST
Price: FREE!
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in learning about avalanches!
Class Size Maximum: 50 participants
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Please complete the registration information below.
Avalanche Awareness:
In this 1 to 1.5-hour free avalanche awareness session, American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro educators introduce how avalanches happen, what they look like, and how to avoid them. Through video footage, photos, and engaging dialog, you will learn about why you should be avalanche aware and how to be prepared when you travel in the backcountry. We’ll talk about gear, terrain, snowpack and answer your questions about how to get out and enjoy the backcountry safely!
Avalanche Awareness sessions are designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers.
Topics Covered:

Avalanche types
Avalanche terrain
Weather observations and considerations
Avalanche advisory and forecast information
Trip planning and preparation
Travel techniques
Group dynamics and discussion
Educational opportunities and next steps

Registration information:
Click HERE and reserve your spot today!

FREE Avalanche Awareness | Virtual Classroom
2021-11-24 18:00 - 19:30
Event: Avalanche Awareness Session
Format: Online | Virtual Classroom
Date: 11.24.21 | Time: 6-7:30 | PM MST
Price: FREE!
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in learning about avalanches!
Class Size Maximum: 50 participants
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Please reference the registration link information below.
AVALANCHE AWARENESS:
In this 1 to 1.5-hour free avalanche awareness session, American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro educators deliver an introduction on how avalanches happen, what they look like, and how to avoid them. Through video footage, photos, and engaging dialog, you will learn about why you should be avalanche aware and how to be prepared when you travel in the backcountry. We’ll talk about gear, terrain, snowpack and answer your questions about how to get out and enjoy the backcountry safely!
Avalanche Awareness sessions are designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers.
Topics Covered:

Avalanche types
Avalanche terrain
Weather observations and considerations
Avalanche advisory and forecast information
Trip planning and preparation
Travel techniques
Group dynamics and discussion
Educational opportunities and next steps

Registration information:
Click HERE and reserve your spot today!

FREE Avalanche Awareness | Virtual Classroom
2021-11-17 18:00 - 19:30
Event: Avalanche Awareness Session
Format: Online | Virtual Classroom
Date: 11.17.21 | Time: 6-7:30 | PM MST
Price: FREE!
Prerequisites: None – just an interest in learning about avalanches!
Class Size Maximum: 50 participants
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Please reference the registration link information below.
Avalanche Awareness:
In this 1 to 1.5-hour free avalanche awareness session, American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro educators deliver an introduction on how avalanches happen, what they look like, and how to avoid them. Through video footage, photos, and engaging dialog, you will learn about why you should be avalanche aware and how to be prepared when you travel in the backcountry. We’ll talk about gear, terrain, snowpack and answer your questions about how to get out and enjoy the backcountry safely!
Avalanche Awareness sessions are designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers.
Topics Covered:

Avalanche types
Avalanche terrain
Weather observations and considerations
Avalanche advisory and forecast information
Trip planning and preparation
Travel techniques
Group dynamics and discussion
Educational opportunities and next steps

Registration information:
Registration is closed for this event. Please visit the Education page for upcoming Avalanche Awareness opportunities.
