Ski training, instruction, adventure, backcountry skiing, trips, vacation, Lake Tahoe, California

NASTC AVALANCHE LEVEL II CERTIFICATION
The level 2 course is a 4-day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. This is an advanced avalanche safety course. The focus is on analyzing snow stability and avalanche hazard. This course also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional progression: the level 3 certificate. The Level 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the level one and adds to it the evaluation factors critical to stability evaluation. Learning Outcomes: 1. Advance understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis. 2. Discuss how the snowpack develops and metamorphoses over time; and discuss the factors that contribute to spatial variability. 3. Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats for factors that influence or indicate snow stability. SWAG MODULE. 4. Advance understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms. 5. Introduce a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework. The students will dig a snow pit and study the snow pit profile. 6. Improve companion rescue skills including multiple and deep burials. Required reading: Snowpack, Weather, & Avalanches: An Observational guideline Suggested reading before the course: Snow Sense: by Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain: by Bruce Tremper Avalanche Aware: by John Moynier The Avalanche Handbook Course dates: February 12-15, 2011 Price: TBA Includes: 4 days of advanced avalanche safety learning and a Level II AIARE certificate Levels: 6-9 Equipment Suggestions: Alpine touring gear telemark gear, splitboard, or snowshoes, backpack, avalanche beacon, shovel and probe - see the equipment/packing list for a complete list of necessary equipment. 100% Off Piste You can rent backcountry gear and avalanche safety equipment from the Backcountry Ski Shop in Truckee (530-582-0909). Be sure to let them know you are with NASTC for a discount. You will need to pick up your equipment the night before the course by 6pm. The Backcountry is located in Truckee at 11400 Donner Pass Road (next to the 7-11 and across the street from Wild Cherries coffeehouse and the Fire Station).
Sample Daily Schedule: 9:00am - Meet at the NASTC classroom for indoor session of avalanche safety course 12:00pm - Lunch break 1:00pm - Head outside for the on-hill practical portion 4:00pm - End of training day
PACKING LIST: AT Gear, boots, and poles Shovel, probe, avalanche beacon, backpack Helmet (recommended, but not required) Several pairs of underwear & ski socks (wool/polypropylene blend or polypro socks best) Top and bottom long underwear (silk or polypro) 2-3 turtlenecks (polypro best) Fleece layer, top and bottom One or two pairs gortex or other water/wind proof material outer ski pants Gortex or other water/wind proof material ski jacket Spring and winter gloves (2 pair, waterproof) Warm hat, baseball cap, headband, facemask, and neck warmer Goggles and sunglasses w/leashes (2 pair goggles if you have them) Evening clothes: sweats, slippers Toiletries, including sunscreen & chapstick with SPF, soap & shampoo, aspirin, body lotion Water bottle All Optional: altimeter watch, camera