Outline
Introductions
Intro to Avalanche Safety Presentation
A lot of content to cover
Adult learners, communities of learning, motivated learners, facilitated
learning, vastly divergent attitudes welcomed, interactive, forum, debate,
“question authority” explore, dialog, passion, critical thinking, meta
cognition
Experiential learning – David Kolb, others
Participation of learners is anticipated
Video – “Winning the Avalanche Game”
Saturday Plan
Meet between 8:00 and 8:30 AM at the Jones Pass Trailhead.
Park two wheel drive vans in the lower parking lot near Henderson Mine.
Directions: I-70 West to SH-40 toward Berthoud Pass. Carefully exit
(watch for oncoming traffic) at Henderson Mine (first big switchback
on Berthoud Pass)
Sunday Plan
Meet at the same location between 8:00 and 8:30 AM
Avi beacon skills and and scenarios
PowerPoint Presentation – “Four Factors”
Terrain
Weather
Snowpack
Human
Objectives
Avalanche avoidance
Survival
Rescue
Spark interest and questioning attitude
Schema
A day out
Sequence of events
Knowledge
and decision making = responsibility
Responsibility for others
You are your friends only hope
Overview of Avalanches
Maritime v. Intercontinental range (Rocky Mountains)
Instability within snow pack – increased over time
Slab avalanches
Release
Out skiing?
The Plan
Agenda
Route selection
Gear selection
Partners
Skill set
Lead In Time
Gear check
Weather
Contingency plan
Compromise?
Departure Day
Weather history
Weather forecast
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Observation
Gut
Compromise?
Start time
Avalanche Assessment
Gut
Hasty pits
Snow conditions
Route selection
Terrain Traps
Unanticipated dangers found on route
When Things Go Wrong
Survival – you are caught
Before
Loosen pack
Safety straps on skis
During
Fight for your life
Swim to stay on top
Once it slows, try to break surface
Fight harder – expand chest, get as much room in setting snow as possible
–
Snow sets up hard – crystals warm due to friction, frictions stops,
crystals re-freeze
Buried deeper than six feet = survival is zero
Buried?
Make air pocket
Wait
Avalung?
How does it work?
50% of fatalities are due to trauma
If avalung works, then, statistically, a higher percentage will die
from trauma…
Rescue – your friend is caught
Don’t become a victim or endanger anyone else – “scene safe?”
You are their only hope, sheriff = body recovery
Watch closely
If you see victim – go to her, if not:
Make mental note of last sighting of victim
Mark spot of last sighting, but don’t waste time
Victim will be below last sighting
Search that area
Saturday Plan
Goal: Jones Pass and avalanche forecasting skills
Weather
CAIC
Sunday Plan
Goal: Jones Pass and avalanche forecasting practice and beacon practice
Considerations:
CAIG
Weather
Observations
Gut
Terrain
Snow Pack
Value/outcome
Why push on?
Outcome v. risk
How about another time?
What’s given up, what’s lost by continuing? Turning back?
Conclusion - recap
Saturday – Forecasting - instructional and hands on
Sunday – Forecasting - learner driven, interactive
Beacons and rescue – interactive and participative
Gear you need
Layers
Beacons, shovels, snow saw, avi kits, GPS, maps
Snowshoes
Sunscreen
Dark glasses
Food
Water – minimum of one liter
What to expect
Pace
Active time and down time
Caloric expenditure
Interactive
Fun
