Level 1 Avalanche course experience

[Fuzz]

This is probably old hat to all you BC-savvy mags, but I thought maybe other BC/avy jongs like myself might find some use.

Thought I'd share my thoughts on my just-finished Level 1 Avalanche class at the Colorado Mountain College in Dillon, taught by Dan Moroz (with Toby Cruise assisting on the field days). Can't beat the $43 price.

Classroom sessions (8 hours): The in-class sessions were very informative. Learned about weather systems, how avy danger "forms", snow metamorphism, etc. Really makes you realize how much stuff more there is to learn. The coolest thing was tying the theory to our real world surroundings. When we talked about weather systems, we talked about how recent storm hits/misses lined up with the storm directions, and how forecasted storms would impact avy danger. When we talked about rounds and facets, we talked about our snowfall and weather so far this winter, and what we should expect in the snowpack. As Dan said several times throughout the course, we can do a lot of avalanche forecasting just by reading the weather/storms, before even stepping foot outside.

Field day 1 (touring): For our first field day, we headed out to Montezuma, for a hike towards Webster Pass. There had been a pretty windy storm the night before, which dropped about 12-15" of fresh. Avalanche danger was rated high on all aspects. So it was the perfect day to study avalanches. We split up into two groups, one with Dan, the other with Toby and hiked around. Looked at a lot of slide paths (especially alarming were some houses built on Webster Pass Road right under a big slide path). Studied different indicators to determine what they meant (wind direction, cornice formations, wind scouring, etc.). We looked at the surrounding mountains to discuss safe routes. Crossed a couple of slide paths one at a time due to the high danger. Dug a few pits to actually see the layers and do some failure tests. The interesting thing, as Dan pointed out, is that even with the high avalanche danger, we were able to travel safely in the BC and find slopes that were safe. Because of the high danger, we did not go as far as usual, due to the presence of a massive slide path. It was definitely a very fun and informative day.

Field day 2 (beacon/rescue practice): The last day we spent the first hour in the classroom going over beacons (how they work), rescue methods, probing, etc. Then it was outside to practice beacon searches. Started off with a single beacon, progressing to two. Took a little getting used to it, but everyone seemed to get the hang of it pretty quickly. After a lunch break, we did a full-scale mock rescue. A mock avalanche and multiple burials were set up in Dillon Amphitheater (complete with a hysterical survivor), and we were left on our own to organize ourselves and search. Did beacon searches and probing. The eye-openers were how chaotic a rescue scene can be, and how tromping around in snow can create complications as people were sinking down to the waists, and trying to steady themselves while shoveling (who woulda thought, huh?).

Lastly we took a short multiple-choice test to get our little certificate/card saying that we'd completed Avalanche Level 1.

All in all, it was a great course. Learned a lot, but still realized that there's just so much more we do not know. The avy videos were powerful. Both Dan and Toby brought a ton of experience.

Now, whenever I look up at the mountains, it's more than just a grand vista -- it's a chance to examine features to determine what the avalanche danger might be. Weather events and forecasts are no longer just something to read in the morning snow reports -- it's a chance to determine what is happening to the snowpack. The course provided a healthy respect for avalanches, but also gave us a glimpse that it is possible to go into the backcountry safely.

[CDubz]

That class sounds great, I've been wanting to get in an avalanche class for awhile now. Do you know how often they offer the course? Do you have to be enrolled at the school to take the class? Any details would be great, thanks for the post!

[Fuzz]

I know they offer it at least twice during the winter. Once in early December, once in early February (the one I took). Not sure if they have another one in March or April or not. No need to be enrolled in any other classes.

The CMC website isn't the most user-friendly, so I'd suggest either calling or going in. The Avy 1 course seems to fill up pretty quickly, so the earlier you register the better.

[CDubz]

Sounds good, thanks for the information. I tried looking for information on their website and had zero luck, that thing is a mess. I'll call and see what the deal is.

I know that the class in Silverton is only offered twice a year, it would make sense if this was the same. At the least I can put my name on the list for next year.

Do you have to have your own beacon for the class?

[Fuzz]

Do you have to have your own beacon for the class?

A beacon and shovel were required for the class. However, not everyone had them, so some borrowed from friends or rented from shops.

Also, for the tour (field day 1), most people were on snowshoes, a couple on touring skis, and a couple on XC skis. We didn't really go anywhere that allowed any skiing. Not sure if that would be different if the avy danger had been lower and we'd have been able to go higher.

[montanaskier]

Cdubz- We took an Avy 1 class thru the 10th mtn division this year. It was a great trip and very informative. Our class was one night in Leadville of classroom study. The next day we skinned up to one of the 10th mtn division huts, lots of studying and learning along the way. The next day was a tour, pit digging, travel techniques, and some skiing. The last day was rescue(was also on the day before) and the ski down. A great class, I highly recommend.

[powder_prophet]

Cdubz - CMC in Leadville has one more Avy 1 class going on in March. Same three day set-up as described above. Same price (although the $43 is in-distruct tuition, so it all may be different depending on your residency.). Also, they provide beacon/probe/shovel for all the field work. Give it a look!

[CDubz]

Thanks guys for all the information, I'll give them a call about their March class it would be great to get it in before this season ends!!

I've been skiing all my life, since I was three, and have some limited back country experience. My buddy, an experienced backcountry skier, just got a sled and I went with him and we got into some terrain that made me a little uncomfortable. Its something I want to get into more but I understand the dangers and want to be as educated as possible. So thanks again for all your help!!

Also any recommendations on rescue gear, beacons etc. where to buy which ones to buy?

Thanks again for your help!

[Fuzz]

Also any recommendations on rescue gear, beacons etc. where to buy which ones to buy?

Do a search -- there's a thread somewhere here on avy/BC gear recommendations.

[Platinum Pete]

Wow, sounds like a helluva course for $43. I paid over $150 and got far less, but still felt like the education was valuable.

[Neezer]

Does anyone know of any classes in the Jackson WY area? I just recently moved to the area and I want to learn how to safely head out into the BC before I take any trips out there.

[sfotex]

Does anyone know of any classes in the Jackson WY area? I just recently moved to the area and I want to learn how to safely head out into the BC before I take any trips out there.

http://www.avalanche.org/~education/