Day 1 - Classroom Day

Meeting Time - 8:30am

Once we've all arrived in class, we'll run through introductions, goals and objectives for the course as well as introduce the waivers.

9:00 am - 12:00pm

Review the Basic Priciples of Avalanche Phenomena
Terrain Photo Study - How to recognize Avalanche Terrain & Choosing Routes
Accessing Public Avalanche Forcasast - Where to find them and their strengths and limitations
Snowpack Metamorphism - What Actually Drives Change in the Snowpack 

Snowpack Layering, Crystal Shapes, Temperature Gradients

 Emergency Response Review

12:00pm - 1:00pm - LUNCH

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Trip Planning Considerations include

Identifying Hazards
Route Plans
Emergency Contacts
Timings & Turnaround Times

Introduce the Principles of Companion Rescue with Multiple Burials
Review of our "Guide's Pack" & Discussion on Appropriate Gear Selection for Avalanche Terrain
Disscussion and Route Planning for the objective on Day 2.

Day 2 - 4 / Field Days

Meeting Times - TBD Depending on Locations and Objectives

Each Days Program will start with a review of the trip plan put togeather by you, our students the night prior. We will review conditions and weather, current and forecast and balance that with our proposed plans for the day. Your Guide and Instructor will ensure that the venues choosen maximize the students ability to make decisions in the field in more challenging and complex terrain.

You will learn:

Review of Tranciever Checks - Range & Transmit Function Checks
How to use Avalanche & Weather Forcasts in Your Decision Making
Use of the AVALUATOR as a travel tool
Hazard Identification and Mitigation
Identifying Areas of Increased Hazard
Good Travel Habits
Group Management & Decision Making
Snowpack Observations & Snow Stability Analysis
Review the Proceedure for a Compression Test
We'll Introduce New Snow Stability Tests and Discuss When to Use Them
Extended Column Tests
Propogation Saw Tests
Deep Tap Tests
Companion Rescue - Dealing with Multiple Burial Situations

There is a much larger emphasis on travel on this program than on the AST 1. Please come prepared to move, ski and dig all day long. During the snowpit sessions it's often a good idea to have more clothing than you think you will need as students often cool down quickly when they are asked to stop and watch us demonsrate a skill or technique in the pits. 

NOTE ON INCREASED RISK: 
Our goal is to show and teach you what is realistic in terms of travel, and decision making while in avalanche terrain given the limitations of the weather, conditions, and human factors. It's important to know that we will be actively operating in avalanche terrain, and that involves increased risk.