Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course

Avalanche Basics & Characteristics

• Avalanche types; Unstable snowpack conditions. • Size classification of avalanches. Incident statistics. • Terms common to: avalanches, terrain & snow. • Avalanche motion: glide, turbulence, speed- dry vs. wet • Identify Avalanche Problems (conditions, formation, characteristics).

Terrain

• Critical slope angles. Terrain features, shape, size. • Role of slope aspect and elevation to sun and wind. • Identify avalanche start zones, tracks, and run-outs • Critical terrain: traps, convexities, triggering.

Snowpack & Weather

• Mountain snowpack development: storms, intervals. • Weather events leading to formation of strong and weak layers. Basic snowpack development/change. • Snow Climates; by region and within range-mountain location.

Information Gathering • Access and understand information from the Avalanche Advisory. North American Avalanche Danger Scale. • Use of terrain/danger rose. • Use of regional avalanche center bulletin (Mount Washington Avalanche Center)

Planning, Communication, & Decision-making

• Terrain, Snowpack, Weather discussion for trip planning • Use information to plan & prepare for field. Use of Maps/technology. • Human Factors. Managing Risk. • Use of decision tools, check lists, contingencies, emergency plans. Communication. • Application of Plan to Field. Tour group decision making prior to travel; safe travel for conditions. Relevant observations & objectives. • End of day review. Observations and reflections with group.

Making Relevant Observations

• Field observations: Critical Red Flag Obs.; Recognizing & prioritizing • Pairing appropriate observations with current avalanche problems and conditions • Use of avalanche & snow pit tools: inclinometer, compass, probe, saw, shovel, and thermometer. • Snowpack tests: snow pits: ID layers (hand hardness), basic grain types (strong & weak layers). Field identifying the Avalanche Problem. • Informal snowpack tests while traveling.

Terrain & Travel

• Trailhead Check (beacons/equipment) • Observant Travel/ snow, weather, terrain. • Route selection. Managing group in terrain: travel protocols & group communication. • Terrain identification. Recognize slope scale features. ID Avalanche terrain. Safe terrain choices.

Basic Avalanche Companion Rescue • Beacon use, probing, shoveling. • Simple one and two person burial techniques. • Incident Response-Leadership, safety, checklists. Developing a plan based upon terrain, avalanche size, and resources. • Response as an avalanche victim; As a rescuer. • Special Problems/ Common mistakes. • Role of first aid and emergency response in real avalanche rescues.

Part of what we teach in our winter programs is how to deal with adverse weather conditions, so we will go out in all but the most miserable conditions. On Mt. Washington ascents, we will attempt the climb in all conditions, if weather or avalanche danger turns us back, that is all part of the mountaineering experience and there will be no refund or credit.

No prior avalanche training is required to enroll in a Level 1 course. Basic skiing or snowboarding ability and familiarity with backcountry equipment are helpful but not mandatory.

Participants receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course with full attendance and competency which can be used when applying for more advanced recreational or professional courses where the Rec Level 1 is a prerequisite.

Field sessions involve practical exercises, such as identifying avalanche-prone terrain, conducting snowpack tests, practicing rescue scenarios, and learning proper travel techniques in the backcountry.

This course is ideal for anyone who plans to travel in backcountry or avalanche-prone areas, including skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers. It’s a foundational course appropriate for new backcountry users. Check out our Guide to Backcountry Education if you're unsure that this is the right course for you.