Snowshoe Hike – Avalanche Awareness Class – CMC

Probe Demonstration
The CMC offers an Avalanche Awareness class, many times over the course of a winter. As I’m fond of snowshoe hiking and cross country, I thought it would be a good idea to partake. So, I joined about 30 CMC members for an all day session near Rogers Pass, CO. I carpoolled with Robert, who was nice enough to drive his Jeep piled full of people & gear to the Trail Head.

My Group: Connie, Bryan, Adam, Robert, and Karsen (Instructor in Rust Colored Jacket)
Avalanche Awareness Primer
The instruction from Karsen was first rate, he spent a great deal of time with us (more than any other instructor!). I thought he did a great job of explaining the essential details and repetitively reviewing the material.

Jeep Carpool Riders (Bryan, Connie, and Robert-thanks for driving!)
Bryan, Connie, and Robert at Rogers Pass TH

The essential things I learned were to check the CAIC website for the avalanche forecast, and look at the topo of the area in advance. This initial assesment is vital to gaining an overall understanding of terrain. When a decision about travel to an area must be made, this knowledge will come in handy! Then, when one is in the area, it is important to update the assessment with real time information. Things can be very different locally, then the regional forecast shows!

Karsen Demonstrating to Bryan How to Test the Beacons
Karsen & Bryan Testing Beacons

Bryan Learning from CAIC Instructor How to Use the Beacon
Bryan Proper Search Technique - Avalanche Awareness

The next thing we learned about was the beacons. The batteries should be changed when they get lower than 50%. Lithium batteries should not be used. Beacons should be checked (transmit & receive) in the parking lot, prior to use in the field. Do not take beacons without probes and shovels. What good is it to have a beacon alone?

Demo of Probing for Avalanche Victims

Finally, adequate equipment, preparation, food, training, and ability should be taken into account. Make sure there are back-up plans & routes. Make sure you know where the nearest medical facility is to the Trail head. Sometimes rescue crews will take a long time to get to where the victim is-the best chance you could give a person for medical attention might involve driving them yourself!

Karsen Demonstrating Tapping Snow in a Pit
Karsen Demonstrating Tapping Technique

Snow pits are helpful for folks in the know. We learned this is a very time consuming and labor intensive process. It is not proven to be effective unless it’s done right and often. Since a snow pits results are just a sample of that space, it is not necessarily indicative of the entire slopes potential to result in a slide. Be very careful to not get caught up in the sample size trap!

All in all the class was helpful. The larger group exercises were chaotic (see madness below!), but when we were in our small group, things went really well. I’m thankful to Karsen for the fabulous instruction and energy! I’m happy I got to meet Robert, Connie, Bryan, and Adam. What a fun group!

Avalanche Awareness Class Assembles

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