Backcountry Ski Touring 2020: Avalanche Field Session

Activity Notes

This is the field session for practicing avalanche rescue skills.

• Reading assignment:
  • Chapter 1: Gear and Equipment – Avalanche Safety Equipment
  • Chapter 2: All sections except Tour Planning
  • Chapter 10: Rescue Techniques and Emergency Preparedness – Avalanche Companion Rescue
• Class materials:
  • Avy Lecture and Beacon Practice Google Site
• Homework:
  • Types of Avalanches
  • Where to dig a snow pit
  • Shovel Tilt Test
  • Shovel Sheer Test (ST)
  • Compression Test (CT)
  • Extended Column Test (ECT)
  • ECT – Weak Layer Failure Example
  • Propagation Saw Test (PST)
  • Tree Wells
  • Test Pit – Bring it all together
• More resources:
  • Mazamas Backcountry Skiing Google Site – has links to avalanche associations, scenarios, podcasts, videos, books, and more.