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HOME > NORTH CONWAY > BACKCOUNTRY SKI > AIARE Level II- Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard How the snowpack develops and metamorphoses over time Practicing standard observation guidelines and official recording formats Introduction to snow stability analysis and forecasting framework Further practice of companion rescue skills with multiple and deep burials Advance understanding of avalanche release and triggering mechanisms

Are you looking to further your avalanche skills and have already taken the AIARE Level I course? This course delves a little deeper into the “hows” and “whys” of avalanches. You will not only get more practice assessing avalanche terrain and exercising your decision making skills, you will also get a better understanding of why avalanches happen with relation to snow stability. The AIARE Level II course is a 4-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 AIARE Level III certificate. The AIARE Level II builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in AIARE Level I and adds to it the assessment 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 Improve companion rescue skills including multiple and deep burials Instructional Sessions (40 hours including both class and field) include: Level 1 Review Energy balance, the mountain snowpack and metamorphism Faceting; near surface and near crust faceting Formation of surface hoar and persistent weak layers Skier Triggering: theory and observations International and national snow, weather and avalanche observation and recording guidelines (SWAG) Weather; interpreting forecasts, recording and observation techniques Snow profile techniques and bonding tests Avalanche observations and recording techniques Stability analysis checklist: reviewing critical factors Stability ratings Daily stability forecasts and analysis Trip Planning and hazard forecasting for avalanche terrain The avalanche danger ratings Terrain analysis using maps/photos Forecasting stability and variability Terrain selection and route finding Group management and hazard management Decision making Human factors Information gathering Site selection and relevancy Spatial variability Slope tests Companion Rescue Level 1 techniques review Multiple burial Shovel techniques This is a sanctioned curriculum offered by AIARE-trained instructors, and an AIARE Certificate of Completion is granted to all participants who complete the course.

Course offered in North Conway, NH $400 per person on this date 2011 dates coming soon! Start/ End: each day 8:30am to approximately 4pm Includes: ice axe, plastic double boots, crampons Does Not Include: lodging, transportation, meals, personal gear and clothing (Skis and skins not included but can be rented. AIARE field books can be purchased for $20 on your first day. SEE BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIRED MATERIALS) Prerequisite: AIARE Level I course or similar experience Driving Directions Local Information Guide

Equipment List for AIARE Level II- Decision-Making in Avalanche Terrain EMS Climbing School Provides: All technical equipment including, plastic double boots, crampons, ice axes, and snowshoes. You Provide: (Required) In these courses, you will be going above treeline and will be exposed to the elements on one or two of the days. In this environment, it is essential that you pay closer attention to being dressed appropriately for your personal safety. Dressing in layers works the best. This way, you can take off or add on any layers to adjust to the changing environment as you heat up and cool down. Wearing your “winter coat” or heavy “snow pants” is not the best choice when trying to dress in layers. Most likely, you will overheat when being active and you’ll end up sweating and expending more energy than needed. Cotton has no place in your winter layering system: it keeps you cold if you sweat and it takes a long time to dry out. Synthetic fabrics or wool keep you warmer when they become wet with sweat and certain synthetic base layers are designed to wick the sweat away from your skin to keep you drier and warmer. In order to make your experience more enjoyable, please do not wear any cotton as layering pieces. Also, remember, you have to carry all your clothing with you, so packing efficiently is important. If you can't wear it all at once, you don’t need to bring it. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504. We expect that you will be dressed and ready to go upon arrival to your lesson. Day one for both courses is primarily indoors, so you can dress accordingly, but bring warmer clothes with you on that day when doing certain observations. * indicates rental item from the climbing school or retail store. Call 800-310-4504 to discuss rental needs. Not all EMSCS locations are equipped with rental gear. Please inquire at the time of your reservation. Base Layer (top and bottom) Light to mid-weight synthetics, snug fit and close to skin, eg. EMS® Techwick®. Over-Base Layer (top and bottom) Light-weight fleece or heavy-weight EMS® Techwick®. Power-Stretch and micro-fleece are ideal materials for this layer. No heavy, 300 weight fleece trousers—you will be over-dressed. Insulation Layer (jacket only) 200 to 300 weight fleece, heavy weight soft shell or Prima-Loft sweater Uninsulated Waterproof/breathable Shell (jacket and pants) EMS System III, Gortex®, or similar waterproof/breathable material. Jacket MUST have an integrated hood. Flimsy “stow-away” nylon hoods are not adequate. Full side zip pants are helpful. "Over-It-All" (jacket) A.K.A. "Puffy" - Hooded, Down or Prima-Loft Jacket. Gloves/Mittens (2 pair) 1 pair ski/ice climbing gloves and 1 pair of Mittens. Waterproof/breathable is ideal. Fleece Hat *Backpack Wool/Synthetic Socks (2 pair) *Gaiters These should fit around your entire calf as well as fit over your pant layering system and a plastic ice climbing boot. Summer hiking gaiters will not fit over plastic boots and leg layers. Balaclava *Ski Goggles 1 pair required but 2 pair is helpful Neoprene Facemask No “windproof” face masks. Must be neoprene for the best prevention against frostbite. Headlamp Lunch Peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pepperoni…whatever you normally eat on the trail. Temps may be well below freezing, so choose food accordingly, and make sure you can open it and eat it with gloves on. Snacks Trail mix and energy bars Water 1-2 liters Use a wide-mouth Nalgene plastic bottle. No thin plastic Poland Spring bottles, water bladder hydration systems, or metal water bottles. Sunwear Sunglasses and Sun-block Optional Items Camera Light-weight thermos (1 liter max, with a hot drink in it) Water Bottle Insulator (old "clean" socks work well) Hand/Foot Warmers Trekking Poles Money for Souvenirs! (Climbing School t-shirts, travel mugs, ceramic mugs and water bottles available) Additional Required Materials: *Alpine touring or tele skis, skins, poles--or snow shoes Helmet (required for skiers and riders, hikers exempt) Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel Field Notebook and pencil (limited AIARE Field books available from EMSCS for $20) Snow Study Kit: Crystal screen (black metal preferred) Loupe, folding metric ruler or probe graduated in centimeters, clinometer, Celsius thermometer. Snow, Weather, and Avalanche: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States (SWAG) The Avalanche Handbook , 3rd edition The above items can be purchased through the AIARE Store or the American Alpine Institute *may be rented through EMS at least two weeks in advance of your course. Call 603-356-5433 ext. 1 Missing anything on this list? Don't forget your 20% discount EMS coupon that comes with your Climbing School confirmation letter!