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AIARE 1 Avalanche Course - Everett - 2016/2017

Avalanche Safety Course

Avalanche AIARE Level 1

AIARE Level 1 avalanche safety course, open to all.

Contacts

Loren McWethy
Loren McWethy
Leader

This is an AIARE certified level 1 avalanche course consisting of three evening lectures at the Snohomish Co PUD in Everett and a two day field trip based out of the Mountaineers Baker Lodge at the Mount Baker ski area (lodging costs are NOT included, see below for more information). The lectures and field trip dates are as follows: 

SCHEDULE:
  • Lecture 1: Wed, Dec 7th, 6:30pm-9:30pm 
  • Lecture 2: Thurs, Dec 15th, 6:30pm-9:30pm 
  • Lecture 3: Thurs, Jan 5th, 6:30pm-9:30pm 
  • Field Trip: Sat, Jan 7th - Sun, Jan 8th, 8am - 4pm
WHAT IS COVERED:
The course introduces students to the primary factors that cause avalanches such as weather, snowpack, human error and terrain and stresses ways to avoid avalanches, such as reading terrain, trip planning, snowpack evaluation, understanding avalanche forecasts, travel techniques and team decision making.
FOCUS ON DECISION MAKING AND PLANNING:

The class is oriented toward demonstrating practical ways to make safe decisions when traveling in avalanche terrain. The planning and decision making tools introduced in this course are just as applicable to managing all sorts of mountaineering hazards as they are to safety in avalanche terrain. Companion rescue methods are also covered in this class.

The field trip was excellent; It really brought the learning objectives home, especially about making terrain decisions. My leaders were knowledgeable, thorough, approachable, and fun!
FIELD TRIP DETAILS:
Students are requested to stay at the Mount Baker Lodge on Saturday night. Lodging is NOT INCLUDED in the course registration and is an additional $46 which includes Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Students are also recommended to sign up to stay at the lodge Friday night as well, as the field trip starts early on Saturday morning and weather can make an early morning arrival challenging. Lodging on Friday night is approximately $29.  See section below about lodge registration.
COMMUNICATION AFTER REGISTERING:
After registering, in late November or early December students will receive a welcome email which will include a link to register for the Baker Lodge.  
ABOUT AIARE
To learn more about the AIARE approach to avalanche education used by the Mountaineers, visit the AIARE website.

 

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

During the two day field trip students will need the following equipment:

  • Either backcountry skis / splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. 
  • A metal shovel designed for avalanche rescue (no plastic shovels)
  • A full length avalanche probe (Minimum length of 240cm / Recommended length of 280cm)
  • An avalanche beacon (2 or 3 antenna beacons are required)
  • Clothes suitable both for standing around and getting exercise outdoors all day in possibly cold, windy, snowy or even rainy conditions. 
Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.