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Practicing Avalanche Rescue Drills

Clinic

Practicing Avalanche Rescue Drills - Source Lake

If you are new or looking to hone/practice avalanche rescue drills, this clinic is for you! This is set up for snowshoers and those who are used to their winter gear, and traveling on beginner & basic snowshoeing trips on a powder day at a minimum.

Contacts

KD Dase
KD Dase
Primary Leader
  • *Varies*, Moderate, M2 Advanced Ski, Winter Scramble
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 2.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 300 ft

7 am at Alpental parking lot

COVID AND CARPOOLING POLICY:

There are currently no restrictions in place. Masks are optional. 

We encourage participants to carpool, as parking can be limited. We do not facilitate carpooling, however, the pre-trip email will include information on ways participants may arrange carpooling amongst yourselves.

THIS CLINIC HELPS YOU TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE AND GET DIALED ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF AVALANCHE RESCUE DRILLS BEFORE YOUR WINTER TRIPS.

CLINIC OUTLINE:

  • Before the trip, logistics will be shared in an email, about 5 days in advance. 
  • On the morning of the trip, the group will come together and discuss the plan for the day, check their gear, and start traveling.
    • Once we arrive at the most suitable terrain, we practice rescue drills (fine search including bracketing, course search, shoveling techniques, and full scenario with multiple burials)
    • At the end of the trip, the group will get together to debrief the actions and decisions for the day.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING BEFORE SIGNING UP:

  • Click 'request leader's permission' and state your snowshoeing experience.
  • Once approved, register for the course and pay the fees or sign up on a waitlist.
  • Also, note that while this is a foundational course, a moderate physical conditioning level is necessary. The field trip involves approximately 1 mile of travel round-trip and up to 200 feet elevation gain on snowshoes. This is the equivalent of approximately 1.5-2 miles and up to 500 feet elevation gain if wearing hiking boots on the trail.

THIS clinic DOES NOT REPLACE AIARE'S LEVEL-1 OR AVALANCHE RESCUE COURSE.

Before signing up for this clinic please be sure you have access to a winter-capable vehicle.  

Route/Place

Source Lake


  • Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 207
    USGS Snoqualmie Pass
    Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 207S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Every person's clothing needs are different. Some people get colder more quickly than others. Remember NO COTTON.  

If you don't have any of this gear, try borrowing it from friends before you purchase it.

You must bring the Ten Essentials and Clothing & Equipment for the field trip. 

TEN ESSENTIALS: Map  (provided to you in digital format), compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, emergency shelter, headlamp/flashlight, first-aid supplies, fire starter, matches, knife, extra food & water. Sun protection is a must. Snow reflection is highly damaging to the eyes; UV damage and sunburns are common if proper protection is not used.

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

  • Pack  (large  enough  for  all  winter  gear)
  • Snowshoes
  • Ski Poles/Trekking poles with baskets
  • Sturdy, lug-soled, waterproofed boots    
  • Clothing Layers

AVALANCHE RESCUE GEAR

  • Avalanche Beacon
  • Metal Shovel
  • Avalanche Probe

Inner  Layer:

  • Wicking Liner socks, 2 pairs (one pair worn, other pair carried)
  • Synthetic Warm Underwear, top & bottom, 2 sets (one set worn, other set carried)
  • Liner gloves,  (+extra set in the pack)

Insulating  Layer:

  • Outer socks, 2 pairs (one pair worn, other pair carried)
  • Pants, synthetic fleece, or wool. Soft-shell or sturdy hiking pants suffice for many.
  • Shirt or sweater, synthetic fleece or wool
  • Mittens or gloves, 2 pairs (one pair worn, other pair carried)

Protective  Layer:

  • Rain parka with hood – waterproof & breathable preferred; remember, coated nylon doesn’t breathe and traps moisture under the clothing.
  • Rain pants – waterproof & breathable preferred to avoid trapped moisture.
  • Long gaiters. Be sure they fit your boots correctly so that snow doesn’t crawl underneath. GoreTex or insulated gaiters are not necessary.
  • Hats (one for warmth; one for sun protection).
  • Wind jacket (which may be your rain parka). A fleece or wind stopper vest is also handy if it is warm.
  • Scarf or neck gaiter if you tend to get cold easily.

Additional  Recommended  Equipment/Supplies  for  the  Field  Trip:  

  • Foam sit pad
  • Hand and toe warmers
  • Toilet paper, sealable plastic bags, and hand sanitizer
  • Pack cover
  • Dry clothes and shoes in your car for the trip home
  • Garbage bags in your car for wet gear
  • Camera and extra batteries, if desired
Trip Reports