KAF Adventures AIARE 1: Spring 2021 Session II

Completed

(American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 1 Avalanche Safety Courses teach back country travel with a clear understanding of the current avalanche hazards and communication. Our instructors continue with lessons in terrain selection, travel techniques, basic field based decision making processes, and make sure everyone leaves the course with the companion rescue techniques required to recover your partner. This course is designed for all types of backcountry travelers, snowshoers, backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers.

Activity Notes

Please note, registration for this course is planned to open on 3/16/2021; however, the course filled completely from the waiting list from the early April course prior to registration opening. We recommend applying for the wait list as people's plans do change and a space may become available.

This is an AIARE Level 1 hybrid avalanche safety course that takes place over two days on Mt. Hood along with self-paced online learning. On April 22nd there will be a pre-weekend meeting on Zoom. The field session will be on April 24th-25th on Mt. Hood. You will need to provide your own transportation to/from the mountain or your own lodging.

This course has been organized by the Mazamas, and will be directed by lead instructor Mick Pearson (founder/guide) of KAF Adventures (Seattle, WA).

Please contact help@mazamas.org with any questions you have.

Who Should Take this Course?

The AIARE-1 is for anyone, regardless of the method of backcountry travel, who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course. This course is open to both Mazama members, and the general public, with an open registration first-come-first-serve basis for acceptance. Once you register you will be charged for the course and beholden to the cancellation policy.

*Please note we have a different refund policy for AIARE courses in order to absorb the costs of using a third party service.

Cancellations received more than 14 days in advance of the class may request a refund less a $100 nonrefundable application fee.
Cancellations received less than 14 days and greater than 7 in advance of class may request a 50% refund.
Cancellations received less than 7 days in advance, no shows, or withdrawals after the class begins will not be issued a refund
Cancellations due to medical issues will be considered on a case by case basis and will require coordination with the Mazamas office to be considered.
If a course is cancelled after it has begun, you will be issued a pro-rated refund based on the sessions delivered and the prepaid expenses. Cancellations due to exposure to or contraction of COVID-19 will be eligible for a pro-rated refund.

Prerequisites:

Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain and bring appropriate equipment and know how to use it, for traveling on snow during the class. Students should also bring and use appropriate clothing/layers/gear for snow conditions and typical weather of the Pacific Northwest found on Mt. Hood. There are no other prerequisites.

Student Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the AIARE 1 course, the student should be able to:

Prepare for backcountry travel with seasonal and daily routines
Use planning tools and checklists to facilitate communication and making decisions in order to reduce risks
Use techniques to improve their companion rescue
Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
Demonstrate effective companion rescue.

Class Material included:

Online platform, Student handbook, Field notebook, lectures and field instruction.

Avalanche Gear Included (if needed):

For students who don't have access to avalanche safety equipment, the Mazamas will provide transceivers, shovels, and probes for the duration of the program included in the price of the course. However, it's strongly recommended that students use their own equipment (or use borrowed/rented equipment that they are considering purchasing) for this class so they can practice with that particular gear in a controlled environment. Please bring your beacon's user manual if you're unsure how it operates.

Not Included:

Transportation to field location, food and lodging, snowshoes, poles, touring equipment, or required equipment list below.

Required Equipment Not Included:

Gear:

Boots. Warm equivalent to 3-season or 4-season alpine boots, that meet your personal warmth needs for the Mt. Hood environment. Comfortable for walking around and standing on snow for 10-hours.
Touring setup: 1) Snowshoes -or- 2) Skis / Splitboard should be equipped with alpine touring bindings, or telemark bindings, and have a set of skins because they avoid the need for snow shoes. Make sure your boots are compatible with your chosen setup.
“Ski” poles with powder (big) baskets
Personal computer with internet access for course materials, and pre-field online session with course instructors.

The above equipment is available for rental at Mountain Shop (2975 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232) generally for 3-days / 2-nights. Some example prices (please contact the Mountain Shop for exact costs):

Boot rentals for $15-$25 for 3-days / 2-nights
AT Ski Package Skis, boots, poles and skins for $65 for 3-days / 2-nights
Snowshoe rentals for $10 for 3-days / 2-nights
Touring Ski Poles rentals for $7 for 3-days / 2-night

Upper Body:

Lightweight base layer T-shirt or long sleeve polypropylene shirt
Sports bra synthetic
Soft Shell Jacket
Down/synthetic jacket with a hood
Hard shell jacket with a hood waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex or equivalent is best, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers.
1-2 pair(s) warm gloves
Shell gloves or mitts, with textured rubber palms and taped seams.
Warm hat, wool or synthetic
Balaclava or Buff

Lower Body:

Heavy wool/synthetic socks (check boot fit!)
Lightweight long underwear
Soft shell pants or hard shell pants

Backpack:

Internal frame pack 2000-2400 cubic inch capacity, recommended it be capable of carrying skis or snowshoes

Miscellaneous Equipment:

Goggles
Sunglasses 100% UV protection
Personal first aid kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, etc.
Lip balm, at least SPF 20
Headlamp w/ spare batteries
Water bottle, 1-2 liters
Bandanas
Snacks and/or munchies Bring trail food/lunch for up to 8 hours outside.
Camera Optional
AIARE Field book *(Included with student materials)

Note: Climbing Committee is unable to provide any reimbursement for this course for Climb Leaders at this time.