ASG2 February 15-17, 2025 -President's Weekend with Jon Williams

Avalanche Science ASG2 course includes 3 field days, 4 hours of interactive classroom, and 8 hours of online material.

Lead Guide and Field Instructor: Jon Williams

The ASG2 is an updated course replacing the old REC1+

Prerequisite:

Able to ski deep powder and is familiar with ski touring (on skis or split-board).

Able to ski tour 3 consecutive days for a cumulative up to a total of 6-8,000 vertical feet.

Pre-course material:

2-hour online

Course Format:

3 days of fieldwork and backcountry ski touring at Mores Creek Summit, Idaho City.

4-hour interactive classroom session with an instructor.

8-hours online video and multimedia material.

Learning Outcomes for REC1+ Module:

1. Understand snow science: snow metamorphism and slab avalanche fracture mechanics. Anticipate the impact of weather in the snowpack. Track precipitation, wind, and temperature critical thresholds driving avalanche instability.
2. Make relevant weather, weather, and avalanche observations. Target observations relevant to the avalanche problem of the day.
3. Familiarity with CAA OGRS / AAA SWAG. Competency with ATES frameworks. Awareness of CMAH.
4. Recognize avalanche terrain and the role of slope angles. Identify, estimate, and measure slope angles and recognize terrain connectivity.
5. Develop terrain navigation tools and skills, such as stability wheel, structural weaknesses, and reactivity tests.
6. Adopt safe travel protocols when traveling in avalanche terrain and recognize human factors impacting the team's safety.
7. Introduce Avalanche Release Conceptual model and develop a systematic method for avalanche risk assessment and execution of safe travel plans.
8. Reliable identification of slab and weak layer structures in snow pits. Characterize snowpack structure reactivity with basic stability tests.

Learning Outcomes for RESCUE Module:

1. Gain an understanding of avalanche beacon technology.
2. Training in avalanche companion rescue techniques for D2 and D3 avalanches sizes.
3. Conduct transceiver functional verification at the trailhead.
4. Knowledge of the value and function of avalanche rescue equipment.
5. Demonstrate professional-level probing techniques.
6. Reliable single avalanche victim companion rescue.
7. Familiar with two-victim avalanche scenarios.
8. Effective communication during avalanche rescues.
9. Capable of generating Emergency Response Plans.
10. Internalize that an avalanche incident is a medical emergency, and develop familiarity with potential injuries and medical issues common to buried avalanche victims.
11. Develop awareness about the value of wilderness or outdoor medical training.