LEVEL I AVALANCHE
This course teaches students how terrain, weather, and snowpack contribute to avalanche hazards. This knowledge is used during decision-making exercises in the classroom and in the field session. Students also become acquainted with human factors, which skew effective decision making. The course covers movement through avalanche terrain, route selection/hazard identification, and stability assessments in the field environment. Also focuses heavily on the fundamentals of self, group, and organized rescue. Students complete a written exam and practical evaluation during field exercises. Upon course completion, students are qualified to participate in organized rescue operations.
Prerequisite: Excellent physical condition, since the course requires strenuous physical exertion. Students are generally expected to perform in a variety of snow conditions (including deep snow), hike moderate distances, climb moderate to steep slopes, and traverse steep slopes. Completion of take home exam and read Snow Sense text.
Time commitment: 8 hours classroom and 16 hours of field work. Classroom time may vary depending on the amount of preparatory work required.
Fee: $75
Credential: NSP Certificate of Achievement
Continuing education/refresher requirement: None
Instructor of record: Steve Reneker, renekers@aol.com 951-776-0706
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Required texts: