Level 1 (Jan. 7th-9th, 2022)

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% classroom learning time and 60% in-the-field study. Instructors and students travel in and around avalanche terrain.

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)