The venue for this course is at Brundage Mountain.
Avalanche Science ASG2 course includes 3 field days, 4 hours of interactive classroom, and 8 hours of online material.
Lead Guide and Field Instructor: Chago
The ASG2 is an updated course replacing the 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 6-8,000 vertical feet.
Pre-course material:
2-hour online
Course Format:
3 days of fieldwork and backcountry ski touring at Brundage, Seargents, and Goose Lake area in McCall.
4-hour interactive classroom session with an instructor.
8-hours online video and multimedia material.
Learning Outcomes for ASG2 Module:
- 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.
- Make relevant weather, weather, and avalanche observations. Target observations relevant to the avalanche problem of the day.
- Familiarity with CAA OGRS / AAA SWAG. Competency with ATES frameworks. Awareness of CMAH.
- Recognize avalanche terrain and the role of slope angles. Identify, estimate, and measure slope angles and recognize terrain connectivity.
- Develop terrain navigation tools and skills, such as stability wheel, structural weaknesses, and reactivity tests.
- Adopt safe travel protocols when traveling in avalanche terrain and recognize human factors impacting the team's safety.
- Introduce Avalanche Release Conceptual model and develop a systematic method for avalanche risk assessment and execution of safe travel plans.
- Reliable identification of slab and weak layer structures in snow pits. Characterize snowpack structure reactivity with basic stability tests.
Learning Outcomes for RESCUE Module:
- Gain an understanding of avalanche beacon technology.
- Training in avalanche companion rescue techniques for D2 and D3 avalanches sizes.
- Conduct transceiver functional verification at the trailhead.
- Knowledge of the value and function of avalanche rescue equipment.
- Demonstrate professional-level probing techniques.
- Reliable single avalanche victim companion rescue.
- Familiar with two-victim avalanche scenarios.
- Effective communication during avalanche rescues.
- Capable of generating Emergency Response Plans.
- Internalize that an avalanche incident is a medical emergency, and develop familiarity with potential injuries and medical issues common to buried avalanche victims.
- Develop awareness about the value of wilderness or outdoor medical training.
