Transcript title

Avalanche Level II

Credits

2

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

30

Lecture hours

10

Other hours

20

Recommended preparation

OL 194AA.

Course Description

This course is designed to build on the skills developed in an Avalanche Level I course. The various factors that contribute to avalanche hazard including terrain, weather, snowpack, and the human component (good vs. bad decision making) will be reviewed, as will avalanche safety equipment such as transceivers, probes and shovels and their correct use. New material will include use of a field notebook and standardized data recording, as well as completing full pit profiles. Field time is spent practicing and reviewing transceiver search techniques (single and multiple burial), snowpack assessment (through test pit, test pit plus, and full pit), and safe travel practices and group travel skills. Students must have completed an Avalanche Level I or Level I Refresher course within the past five years.

Course learning outcomes

1. Identify avalanche terrain.
2. Identify basic grain types, weak layers, and strong layers.
3. Perform field tests to determine snowpack stability and instability.
4. Recognize weather and terrain factors contributing to instability.
5. Perform rescue through fast and efficient transceiver use.
6. Apply safe travel techniques.