The level one is a 3.5 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:
Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.
Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a 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).
A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counselled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.
Student learning outcomes.
At the end of the Level One course the student should be able to:
Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
Recognize avalanche terrain.
Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
Learn and apply effective companion rescue.
Instructional sessions (24 hours including both class and field instruction) :
1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
Types and characteristics of avalanches
Avalanche motion
Size classification
The mountain snowpack:
an introduction to metamorphism and layering
2. Observations and Information Gathering
Field observation techniques
Bonding tests: rutschblock, compression test,
Avalanche danger factors; “Red Flags”.
Observation checklist
Avalanche danger scale
Trip Planning and Preparation
Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment,
and selection
Route finding and travel techniques
Decision making and Human Factors
Companion Rescue and Equipment
Student Prerequisites :
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain. There are no other prerequisites.
PRICE
COURSE
AIARE Avalanche Courses
Season 2011/12
*AIARE is the American Institute for Avalanche research & Education.
The standardized AIARE curriculum is the gold standard in avalanche courses. Developed by IFMGA guides from the USA, Canada, & Switzerland over 15 years, the program integrates the latest research with time on snow making leadership decisions.
Dates:-
28th to 30th January (8-5pm)t i
€290
