Motorized Level 2 Avalanche Course

Description

These classes present advanced concepts of recreational avalanche risk management for motorized users, while repeating the process taught in Level 1 classes. They are intended for those taking a leadership role in their riding groups or for those riding outside of a forecast area. The academic components build from those taught in the Level 1, primarily through pre-class work. This course follows the guidelines for Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Training as established by the American Avalanche Association.

Schedule

Each class will begin with a mandatory online session prior to field days. Field days will run from 9am-5pm, or instructor discretion. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Attendance and participation in the full class is mandatory.

DATES

FEBRUARY 21-23, 2025

**Please email avy@svguides.com to inquire about private avalanche courses or for any avalanche/education-related questions. Min 4 people. Max 12. Pricing is the same as public courses.

PARTICIPANTS MUST

• Take a Level 1 and Rescue class prior to attending. The Level 1 class should have been taken prior to the 2023/24 season. The Rescue class can be taken just before the Level 2, and 2024 SAC Rescue classes are scheduled with this in mind. Previous classes don't need to be motorized-specific.

• Be an advanced rider, comfortable side-hilling to both sides while making adjustments around obstacles, and able to self-extricate from basic stucks. Riding ability is much more important on the Level 2 compared to Level 1 and Rescue classes - please do not overestimate your riding ability.

• Bring a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. Beacons should be modern three-antennae, shovels should be made specifically for avalanche rescue, and probes should be 270 cm or longer. Avalanche gear must be worn/carried on self, and not in a tunnel bag. An extra shovel in the tunnel bag is recommended.

• Wear a DOT approved helmet and weather-appropriate gear.

• Bring food and water for a day of riding.

• Ride a reliable, well maintained snowmobile/snowbike, capable of off-trail travel. Machines must be registered with visible registration markings. Spare belts and repair kits are strongly recommended. Poorly maintained machines and/or machines not intended for off-trail travel may jeopardize the experience of others.

• Read the required materials and apply the Daily Flow and Alerts stickers to machines for easy reference while riding.

• Bring a radio capable of operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies. A simple speaker/mic is preferable to voice activated systems.

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

• The Daily Flow user guide and video. An electronic version of The Daily Flow book will be provided and a written copy can be provided if desired.

• Avalanche Canada's online tutorial. Some of the details are different from the Daily Flow, but the concepts are the same.

• Daily Flow and Alerts stickers, available for free at most regional powersports dealers. Additional stickers will be provided in class.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The successful student will be able to:

• Manage risk for peers in an informal setting.

• Consider the impact that advanced avalanche training has on group dynamics.

• Use relationships between weather, snowpack, and avalanches to anticipate hazards.

• Facilitate discussions with riding partners to create safety margins using terrain and/or timing.

• Confirm details with riding partners and develop a simple plan as a group contract.

• Manage the riding group by using guiding techniques to lead through non-avalanche and avalanche terrain.

• Use The Daily Flow Conditions and Terrain Alerts stickers to maintain awareness and communicate changes and/or concerns to the riding group.

• Use industry standard techniques to make observations by digging below the snow surface, and to communicate weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions to others.

• Lead group discussions that link observed conditions to terrain use.

• Encourage partners to learn from each day by using daily debriefs.

• Submit observations to the Sawtooth Avalanche Center using non-technical language and/or images and videos.

  This course information was provided by the Sierra Avalanche Center.