This 9-hour Introduction to Avalanche Course is designed specifically for those traveling by foot (not with skis or snowmobiles) in avalanche terrain. The field-course will cater specifically to ice climbers (and hunters if there is enough interest), and the classroom session will also apply to hunters, snowshoers, etc. Our course content follows guidelines outlined by The American Avalanche Association with emphasis and additional focus on ice climbers. In the field, we will focus on making safe decisions on the fly in terrain and situations encountered by those traveling without skis, where risks may be small isolated snow pockets in cliffy terrain, or terrain thousands of feet above our climbing objectives.
Prerequisites: Past ice climbing experience. Proficiency on WI3 ice climbing terrain. Knowledge of knots, belaying, & rappelling. Consider our Intro to Ice Course to gain basic skills.
1) Recognize & avoid obvious avalanche hazards
2) Understand and apply current avalanche advisory information
A brief introduction to:
- Avalanche statistics and human factors
- Avalanche terminology
- Avalanche terrain
- Snowpack and weather factors
- Obvious clues and red flags
- Trip planning and preparation
- Avalanche bulletins
- Simple decision tools (ALP TRUTh, RYG Light etc.)
- Travel protocols
- Companion recovery
3) Understand how layered snow contributes to avalanching
4) Understand basic companion rescue
Field examples & hands on training:
- Avalanche terrain and terrain traps
- Basic route selection
- Snowpack layering
- Current snowpack conditions and weather effects (bulletin)
- Companion recovery including probing, shoveling, beacon use
AVALANCHE EQUIPMENT:
- Transceiver
- Shovel
- Probe
- Backpack
- Snow saw (recommended but not required)
- 6.5′ of 1mm cord for isolating snow columns
- Slope Meter
NOTE: Order your gear in advance as few local shops carry all items.
TECHNICAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT:
- Boots: single insulated ice climbing boot with crampon compatibility*
- Climbing Harness*
- Climbing Helmet*
- Ice Tools (2)*
- Crampons: step-in with vertical front points must fit your boots*
- Belay Device and locking carabiner*
*These items are included in the cost, but we must know what is needed in advance, particularly boot size
CLOTHING LIST:
If your body runs cold you may want to add another layer
- Long underwear, mid-weight (top & bottom), synthetic or wool.
- Softshell pant (lightly insulated)
- Fleece or sweater (medium or lightweight)
- Fleece (heavyweight)-have as backup in case your trip is during a cold snap
- Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
- Waterproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
- Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex)
- Socks (mid-weight)
- Hat: fleece or wool hat that covers ears & fits under a helmet
- Gloves: one thin pair (medium weight) and one thick pair
- Gaiters (optional)
- Neck gaiter/buff or scarf
OTHER:
- Daypack: 40-55L with ice tool carrying capabilities
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small notebook & pencil
- Thermos: optional but wonderful to have
- 1-liter water bottle with insulated sleeve (full!)
- Food for the day: energy bars, GU packs, or Hammer Gels
- Hint: keep some food in your pockets so it doesn’t freeze
- Camera (optional), we have GoPro helmet cam mounts
- Snow Sense, Jill Fredston & Doug Fesler
- Start with this book (130 pages)
- Once you have read “Snow Sense”, consider, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Tremper
- This book has it all and goes beyond the material covered in this course. It remains a staple text for snow safety.
Course Info
Dates
- December 19, 2020
- December 29, 2020
- January 16, 2021
- February 13, 2021
Cost
$195- Complete 9-hour course
*Does not include 3.5% land use charge*
Ratio
Max 4:1
Minimum of 3 participants to run course
Location
Class: Montana Alpine Guides- 11 Enterprise Blvd, Bozeman
Field Course: Hyalite Canyon
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