Avalanche Rescue Clinic - Monday 1/20 (MLK Day) - Mt Hood

This course is for anyone who spends time in the backcountry during Winter and early spring with potential exposure to avalanche terrains. This is a great clinic if you have never used avalanche safety gears and would like to learn how to be proficient with it. It is also for folks who have experience with avalanche safety gear, and have already taken an free NWAC avalanche awareness class or an AIARE course and would like to practice or share their experience and knowledge. If you have experience and would like to help, please let me know.

Plan is to meet at 7:50AM somewhere up Mt Hood (location will be sent to participants a week or so before the clinic). The day will start with an introduction to avalanche beacons and how they function. You will progress into learning techniques for locating your target quickly and efficiently, then get a chance to practice searching and digging in a single-burial scenario.

Lunch will be done on-the-go, allowing you to maximize your learning opportunities on this one-day clinic. In the afternoon, you will expand your knowledge and practice searching and digging in a multi-burial scenario. Before wrapping up, participate in a complex group rescue and debrief the day. You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 4:30pm.

If downhill Skiing/Riding: Intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to ski or ride blue square runs in variable snow conditions).

If AT Skiing/Split boarding: Some touring experience is highly recommended. At minimum, knowledge of your gear and the ability to transition efficiently.

If Snowshoeing: Some previous snowshoeing experience.

Ability to be moderately active and shovel snow throughout the day.

Goals of this clinic:

What to do if you or a member of your party is caught in an avalanche.

Learn to use necessary avalanche rescue gear.

Setting up a realistic scenario in order to practice avalanche rescue response and developing a plan for consistent practice.