Wet Snow & Spring Skiing Workshop
As winter transitions to spring, so does the snowpack. In the state of Washington, some of the best backcountry skiing and riding happens from April to June. Historically, June also ranks second to December in our state's avalanche fatalities.
As winter transitions to spring, so does the snowpack. In the state of
Washington, some of the best backcountry skiing and riding happens from
April to June. Historically, June also ranks second to December in our
state's avalanche fatalities. Take this intensive workshop on its own,
or as a follow up after your Level 1 Course. Topics include: wet loose
and wet slab avalanches, melt-freeze and isothermal snowpacks,
persistent weak layers as they pertain to late season, terrain selection
and trip planning, spring weather and snowpack observations, and
"Applied Decision Making".
Day 1:
6-9:30 p.m. at Feathered Friends, Seattle WA
- Welcome and Introductions
- Course objectives, goals, and progression
- AIARE Decision Making Framework (DMF) Refresher
- Case study – small group and class discussion
- Direct weather effects and the spring snowpack
- Melt-freeze and isothermal snow
- Persistent weak layers
- Wet loose and wet slab avalanches
- “The Spring Hazard”
Day 2:
8:30-6 p.m. at Mount Rainier National Park
- Terrain selection and trip planning
- Weather and snowpack observations in the field
- Travel techniques and hazard evaluation
- “Applied Decision Making”
- Workshop debrief
TRIP INCLUDES
- AIARE field book
- All lectures
- Field instruction
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Transportation to course and venues
- All personal ski equipment (beacon, shovel, probes, ski gear, etc.)
CANCELLATIONS:
20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable