Level I Backcountry Skier and Snowboarder Avalanche Safety Course

December 7-9, 2007 Williams Peak Yurt
January 4-6, 2008 Williams Peak Yurt
January 11-13, 2008 Williams Peak Yurt
February 1-3, 2008 Sawtooth Valley/Stanley Basin

Course Overview:

The goal of this course is to give the backcountry skier/snowboarder the practical knowledge to understand the snow avalanche phenomenon and to practice safe techniques in backcountry travel.

Topics/Itinerary:

Day One: Meet at Stanley Ranger Station 8:00AM; Introduction and Orientation , Handouts; Video "Overview of Avalanche Study"; Weather History- Observations of the early winter snowpack and avalanche activity; Group ski to Williams Peak hut- Observation of snowpack characteristics, terrain, effect of elevation and slope aspect; Afternoon review of the Use of the Avalanche Transceiver; Evening Presentation: Mountain Snowpack and Mechanics of Slab Avalanche; Mountain Weather, Snow Metamorphism and the effect of Elevation and Slope Aspect; Snow Climates.

Day Two: A.M. Observation of Weather; Review of Snow Metamorphism; Use of the Field Notebook; Discussion of Day’s Tour: Stability Forecast; Terrain: route selection and track setting; Tour leadership: group skiing safety uphill/downhill; Methods of stability evaluation/ field observations; snow pits; Free-skiing pre-dinner; Evening Discussion: Review of Day; Plotting the Study Pit; Concepts in Avalanche Hazards and The Human Factor.

Day Three: A.M. Observation of Weather; Discussion of Backcountry Safety and Touring Considerations; Mountain weather and snowpack scenarios; Avalanche Rescue/ Response/Debrief . Review of Topics as needed. Descend to Stanley Ranger Station: Course end 4:00 – 5:00 P.M.

Course Instructors:
Kirk Bachman, and Erik Leidecker.

Registration and Fees: $395 (Includes instruction, food, hut rental, and course materials)

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Contact Sawtooth Mountain Guides
P.O. Box 18
Stanley, Idaho 83278 USA
Ph (208)774-3324
Fax (208) 774-3729
e-mail: getaway@sawtoothguides.com
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