Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping

Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping

This six-day course provides an introduction to snow avalanche mapping for individuals working or interested in working in the avalanche risk management industry. Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to conduct air photo interpretation and determine the location of avalanche paths, analyze climate data, conduct relevant field work by collecting and recording observations, estimate the size and frequency of avalanches occurrences and present data according to industry standards.

If you are interested in this course you should consider that it is designed for the following people who are:

• working or interested in working in the avalanche risk management industry
• accustomed and comfortable working in the backcountry in a variety of weather conditions
• accurate and diligent when working with data and information
• computer literate

50% of the course time will be spent working in the classroom and labs.  The other half of the course will be spent conducting field work at avalanche sites in teh nearby area.  The course will generally run from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, with daily assignments which will entail work in the evenings in the air photo lab.  Refer to the Sample Schedule under "Related Links" for details.  Note that students are responsible for their own transportation on the course.

Program Goals

• use air photos in avalanche mapping
• analyze climate data
• use topographic maps in avalanche mapping
• analyze avalanche occurrence data
• request computer mapping for avalanche work when required
• present data to industry standard
• conduct relevant field work
• work in a team environment to accomplish mapping objectives

Prerequisites

• 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.
• strong topographic map reading and interpretation skills
• apply basic trigonometry and algebra to evaluate slope lengths and inclines
• good physical fitness

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

Registration

On-line registration opens in early May.  Note that full payment is taken at the time of registration

Tuition

$1500

Course Evaluation

Participants' learning on this course will be evaluated based on the daily assignments and the final assignment.  Participants must attend the entire course and receive a passing mark on all assignments in order to receive a certificate.

Course Equipment & Materials

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 and Risk Determination Guides.  The comprehensive text, Snow Avalanche Management in Forested Terrain, BC Ministry of Forestry. Weir, P. (2002) ISBN 0-7726-4881-6, is also included.  There are however other technical references 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:

• The Avalanche Handbook: Vancouver, BC: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd. McClung, D. & Schaerer, P. (1993) ISBN 0-89886-364-3
• Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanches. Canadian Avalanche Association. (2007) ISBN 0-96999758-0-5