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AIARE Level 1 - Tacoma - 2019

Avalanche Safety Course

AIARE Level 1

The AIARE 1 is a three-day / 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).

Info
COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers course.

Contacts

Annie Graeter
Annie Graeter
Leader

HOW TO SIGN UP

Registration is handled by our partners at Edgeworks Climbing Gym, do not attempt to register on the Mountaineers website. To register, go to https://www.edgeworksclimbing.com/courses_alpine.html

  • Enter Promo Code TM2019 for 10% off

COURSE DATES (ALL REQUIRED)

  • Lecture #1: Thurs, Feb. 21, 6 PM to 9:30 PM (Mountaineers Tacoma Clubhouse)
  • Lecture #2: Fri, Feb. 22, 6 PM to 9:30 PM (Mountaineers Tacoma Clubhouse)
  • Field Trip #1: Sat, Feb. 23, 8 AM to 4:30 PM (Mount Rainier)
  • Field Trip #2: Sun, Feb. 24, 8 AM to 4:30 PM (Mount Rainier)

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

The AIARE 1 is for ANYONE, regardless of method of travel, who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course.

Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the AIARE 1 course, the student should be able to:

  • Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
  • Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
  • Demonstrate effective companion rescue.

PREREQUISITES

Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. There are no other prerequisites.

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

BACKCOUNTRY EQUIPMENT

  • Day-Tour Ski Backpack
  • Touring Skis, Splitboard or Snowshoes (Skis with alpine-touring or telemark bindings or splitboard)
  • Climbing Skins (for skis/splitboard, adjusted to skis)
  • Ski Poles (adjustable length optional)
  • Avalanche Transceiver (max 5 years old)
  • Avalanche Probe
  • Avalanche Shovel (metal blade is a must)

CLOTHING

  • Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
  • Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
  • Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
  • Hard Shell or Softshell pants: A pair with side vents are best.
  • Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic.
  • Hard or Soft shell jacket: waterproof and breathable, no or little insulation.
  • Gloves: a pair of heavy gloves and a pair of medium weight gloves
  • Hats: one with brim, one for warmth
  • Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: optional, but nice to have
  • Helmet (recommended)
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles

OTHER ITEMS

  • Water bottles: 1-2 liters combined capacity (bottle insulators recommended)
  • Small thermos: (optional)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (water/sweat-proof)
  • Headlamp
  • Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit (for your personal meds/needs)
  • Camera or Smartphone
  • Lunch/Snack food

COURSE EQUIPMENT

  • AIARE Field book (this will be supplied)
  • Mechanical pencil
  • Snow Saw (optional/recommended)
  • Snow Study Kit (optional): dial Stem thermometer (celsius), crystal card, loupe (5x – 10x magnification)
Course Materials

There are no materials for this course.