LEVEL II AVALANCHE
An intensified version of the Level I Course, with a focus on how to recognize and evaluate the contributing factors to avalanches and to lead a group through avalanche terrain safely. Students learn the knowledge and skills necessary to assume leadership roles in avalanche rescue, the ability to support avalanche rescue operations, and the competence to make ancillary rescue decisions. Includes rescue exercises in the classroom and during the field session. Students must also pass a written exam and prepare a comprehensive report that examines rescue activities. The course emphasizes that experience and recurring training are the only ways to hone the knowledge and skills required of true avalanche rescue expertise.
Prerequisites:
- Level I Avalanche or Avalanche Fundamentals and Rescue Course (course knowledge must be current, i.e., taken within the last three years or refreshed before the Level II Avalanche Course starting date). Non-NSP avalanche training that equals or exceeds the course content for the NSP Level I Avalanche Course may be substituted upon approval by the division Avalanche supervisor.
- Two years active patrol duty (unless waived by division Avalanche supervisor).
- Excellent physical condition, since 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.
Time commitment: Average of 13 hours of classroom instruction and three days of practical field work, plus homework assignments and report preparation. Total classroom time may vary depending on class size and the amount of preparatory work required. Dates are" Week of January17th & 24th (Tues/Thursday) Classroom. Filed: January 23/24 and January 30/31, 2010.
Fees: Division—TBD
Credential: NSP Certificate of Achievement
Continuing education/refresher requirement: None
Instructor of record: Jeff Pierce, pierce_group@msn.com
Required texts:
Optional text: The Snowy Torrents (#533)