Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard
In the past, the AIARE 2 was designed to be an entry level professional course. New for 2017-18, the redesigned AIARE 2 is designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced recreational students who have taken an AIARE 1 and AIARE Avalanche Rescue Class.
The 8-hour AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is a prerequisite for AIARE 2. If you haven’t already taken the AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course, you can register for that course separately on the day before our AIARE 2 course starts.
The AIARE Level 2 course is a 3-day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. This course also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional progression.
The Level 2 course builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the Level 1 course and adds to it the evaluation of factors critical to stability evaluation.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Advance understanding of avalanche terrain, particularly from the perspective of stability analysis.
- Discuss how the snowpack develops and metamorphoses over time; and discuss the factors that contribute to spatial variability.
- Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats for factors that influence or indicate snow stability. SWAG MODULE.
- Advance understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms.
- Introduce a snow stability analysis and forecasting framework.
Student Prerequisites
Students must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain on skis or a splitboard. An AIARE Level 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent training/experience is required. A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is required before taking the Level 2 course. The 1 day AIARE Rescue Course is also required.