The Level 1 avalanche course is an interactive program covering the fundamentals of avalanche hazards including awareness and stability assessments. This course consists of approximately 40% online learning time and 60% in-the-field study. Instructors and students travel in and around avalanche terrain. Online learning will be available to students 3 weeks prior to course dates. Instructors will be available for questions during this time. There will be an interactive online session with instructors two days prior to field days to allow for any travel required by students and instructors the day before field session begins.

The course will be following American Avalanche Association guidelines focusing on:

• Recognizing and travelling in avalanche terrain.
• Reading, interpreting and using avalanche forecast along with field observations to make competent decision-making plans when entering avalanche terrain.
• The use of, and rescue skills associated with avalanche transceivers.
• Field observations of snowpack, weather and terrain along with the elements of snowpack formation.
• The use and interpretation of stability tests.
• The human factors that contribute to the decision making process.

FAQs

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Email us at info@thepatrolfund.org

What's the refund policy?

Cancellations received up to 7 days prior to the registered course are eligible to receive a refund less a $50 service fee. Cancellations within 7 days of the registered course will NOT be eligible for a refund. No exceptions.

Cancellation requests are made on the Eventbrite website OR via email directly to The Patrol Fund, Inc.

Due to the everchanging policies regarding Covid-19 please be aware that in the case of course cancelled, full refunds will be administered to all participants.

Equipment List for The Patrol Fund, Inc. Level 1 & 2 Courses

Gear Needed For Field Sessions:

• Face coverings (more information to come)
• Whitefish Mountain Resort ski pass. (If you don’t have one please let us know that you need a ticket.)
• Skis or split board (must be fitted with some sort of brake/retention device)
• Skins for skis or splitboards (no snowshoes)
• Boots
• Ski Poles (also required for snowboarders)
• Avalanche Transceiver
• Avalanche Shovel (no plastic shovels)
• Avalanche probe (at least 260cm length would be good)
• Sunglasses
• Goggles
• Sunscreen
• Ski pants or bibs
• Ski jacket or shell
• Warm gloves and/or mittens. I like to bring at least 2 pairs of handwarming clothing
• Warm hat
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• Water bottle and/or thermos
• Lunch/snack food
• Warm Layers (extra insulation for non-moving time in the pits like “puffy” jackets)
• Backpack with a decent method for attaching skis/board

Snow Study Gear:

• Compass
• Inclinometer (compasses with inclinometers are fine)
• Pencil
• Snow saw (required)
• Rutschblock/ECT cord (required). Check Brooks Range or G3 for pre-fabricated ones or check here for making your own
• Magnifying lens/loupe (not required)
• Crystal screen/card
• Folding ruler or marked probe (marked in centimeters)

Gear Needed For Classroom Sessions:

• Pencil
• Notebook/paper/tablet

Optional Gear:

• Camera for reviewing avalanches, pits, or noteworthy terrain observed in the field
• Tablet/phone with wireless connection for accessing remote weather data, avalanche advisories.
• Hand/foot warmers

Suppliers For Snow Study Gear:

• Rocky Mountain Outfitter (Kalispell) sells most of the Snow Study Gear and, of course, other stuff.
• Backcountry Access - https://backcountryaccess.com/
• SnowPit Technologies - http://snowpit.com
• Snow Metrics - http://www.snowmetrics.com/store/
• Rite In The Rain - https://www.riteintherain.com/  (Make sure it is spiral bound, Recommended: No. 313)