At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Evaluate avalanche terrain using topographic maps;
• Apply alternative technologies to avalanche terrain mapping;
• Conduct relevant field work;
• Analyze climate data;
• Analyze avalanche occurrence data;
• Estimate avalanche frequency and magnitude;
• Present data;
• Work in a team environment to accomplish mapping objectives.

Applicants must have:

• CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 or a Resource & Transportation Avalanche Management course OR
• Equivalent training in a related field and can demonstrate good working knowledge of the avalanche phenomenon and mapping principles. Refer to the PLA form on the right sidebar;
• Strong topographic map reading and interpretation skills;
• Basic trigonometry and algebra skills, sufficient to evaluate slope lengths and inclines, work with fractions and scales, and be able to rearrange formulae to solve basic equations;
• Good physical fitness.

Please note: Successful completion of this course does not qualify you to conduct snow avalanche mapping work without supervision.

On-line registration opens in early May. To register, click on the “Register now!” button in the right sidebar. Note that full payment is taken at the time of registration.

NEW: You will be required to upload a scan of the following document during your registration process. Without it you will be unable to complete your registration. A scan can be a legible digital photo of the required document. A scan is needed of:

• CAA Level 1 or RTAM certificate or a completed PLA for exemption CAA letter

Note: A $20 fee will be charged if you require the CAA to search through its records for a certificate copy. This must be done prior to registration.

Tuition is $1535 per student.

An additional $100 registration fee is applied to International Students.

Participants' learning on this course will be evaluated based on the daily assignments and the final assignment. Participants must attend the entire course, complete all daily assignments, and receive 71% or more on the final assignment in order to receive a certificate.

Refer to Sample Course Equipment under "Related Links" for an example of student equipment needs.

A course manual is included as part of the tuition for the course and includes course notes, pre-course assignments, exercises, and the CAA's Land Manager’s Guide to Snow Avalanche Hazards in Canada. The  pre-course materials must be completed prior to starting the course. Students will be required to download the following text supplied in the student manual.

Weir, P. (2002). Snow Avalanche Management in Forested Terrain, BC Ministry of Forestry. ISBN 0-7726-4881-6. The download link is supplied in the student manual.

In addition to the supplied technical references, there are other publications that are highly recommended to students. Each student should have personal copies of the following publications and be fully familiar with their content and use in the avalanche industry. Click on the title of each text and you can purchase these resources through our online store.

• McClung, D. & Schaerer, P. (2006).The Avalanche Handbook . 3rd ed.: Vancouver, BC: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd. ISBN 978-0-89886-809-8
• Canadian Avalanche Association, (2007). Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanches[JL2] . ISBN 0-9685856-3-9