The Avalanche Institute
The Avalanche Institute is actually an entire section of its own, but some information is difficult to make public since the courses are set up to require registration. At this time our focus is on a complete Level 1 recreational course, as described below. However, we also have developed a course for analysis of events with long return intervals (such as a "100 year" avalanche). There will be advanced topic modules available soon for those that complete the Level 1 certification. This will allow recreational students to pursue advanced topics over time without the need to enroll in a costly and lengthy Level 2 course oriented towards training field practitioners to collect and record data. We also have a course in fundamental avalanche dynamics in the works.
Level 1 Course
- Course Flowchart
- Module Description - 1 - Preliminary Material
- Module Description - 2 - Safe Travel and Safety Equipment
- Module Description - 3 - Self Rescue
- Module Description - 4 - Weather 1
- Module Description - 5 - Snowpack 1
- Module Description - 6 - Terrain 1
- Module Description - 7 - Human Factors 1
- Module Description - 8 - Snowpack 2
- Module Description - 9 - Decision Making
- Module Description - 10 - Trip Planning
We are excited to announce our new Level 1 Avalanche Course offered online. The course has two field days, but all non-field material is taught in our Avalanche Institute. The course has been developed by AlpenPro, which will be offering free field sessions at various locations this winter. The non-field material is presented in modules in a learning progression. As the course progresses each module or field day builds on the prerequisite material.
There is a great deal of detailed infomation on the AlpenPro website - including a flowchart with the objectives for each module, an extensive FAQ, a schedule of field days, and more.
One result of this new approach is that a true certification is offered upon completion of the required material. This is possible because students work at their own pace at times convenient to them when they can focus best, and they take various simple assessments throughout. Certification indicates that 100% of the material was covered to a satisfactory level and that nothing was skipped or glossed over due to reasons such as a lack of time.
Later this winter there will be advanced topics available, and Level 1 certification will be required for these.
Registration - You can register for a complete Level 1 course here, and all proceeds support the CSAC avalanche center. It is also possible to register for individual modules, or to challenge them to get credit so you can fulfill prerequisite requirements. Register for anything other than a complete Level 1 class directly through the AlpenPro website.
Avalanche Center members can register for a discount. Log in to your website account.
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