Avalanche Level 2

 

Avalanche Level 2 allows students to advance their decision making skills in more complex terrain and snowpacks, teaches leadership skills, and how to create a route plan when resources are limited (i.e. forecasting skills). This course builds on students’ knowledge and experience that they’ve gained since their Level 1 and Rescue Course.  

SIET L2 Avalanche programs are unique in that the class size is capped at six students, which allows the instructor to customize the course to specific student goals and provide more one-on-one coaching. 

This course will cover curriculum that meets and exceeds the guidelines of the American Avalanche Association. The program is 24 hours long with 60% of course time spent in the field and 40% in the classroom, as per AAA guidelines.

All SIET avalanche courses led by AMGA/IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides who have extensive backcountry experience, have taught dozens of avalanche courses, and are well versed in the most current industry best practices. All SIET Avalanche Courses are endorsed by the American Avalanche Association.

 

Apply for the Level 2 Course Here

 

 

Course Topics and Learning Outcomes:

  • Link season weather history and relevant snowpack processes to current snowpack structure and layering.
  • Use local avalanche advisory as well as other resources available
  • Use of remote weather stations, reports, and forecasts.
  • Create an avalanche hazard assessment without a local advisory.
  • Prioritize relevancy of observations and snowpack tests based on avalanche hazard and problem(s) and apply at a local scale. Key record keeping.
  • Gain deeper understanding of avalanche formation, triggering, and release mechanisms, including links to Avalanche Problems.
  • Recognize and manage risk: human factors, motivations, objectives, and limitations
  • Thorough planning and communication.
  • Apply tools for planning, decision-making, and travel with consideration of group risk management and awareness of safe margins.
  • Practice travel protocols and techniques to mitigate risk exposure in a variety of avalanche terrain situations and challenges.

Prerequisites:

  • Level 1 Avalanche Course
  • Rescue Course (8hr)
  • One season of experience since completing Level 1 (strongly recommended) 

 

Details

  • Location: Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Course Fee: $600 (min 4 students)
  • 2025 Dates: Feb 22-23
Each course has a 3 hour lecture on Thursday and Friday night followed by 8 hour days in the field Saturday and Sunday

 

  • Feb 22-23 Time: Feb 20, 6pm-8pm (Zoom); Feb 22-23, 7:30am – 4pm in the field

 

  • Other dates and private courses available upon request
  • Rentals available, please make your request 10 days before the course start date
  • Transportation not provided; all wheel drive and/or chains sometimes required by law in the Wasatch. 

 

Required Gear List:

Avalanche Level 2 Equipment List

 

Apply for the Level 2 Course Here

 

 

Scholarships Available: 

American Alpine Club’s Partner in Adventure Grant- for Outdoor Education: “Our goal is to help you and your partner stay safe as you broaden your climbing skill set.” -AAC. This fits perfectly with SIET’s objectives, definitely apply to this one! Grants up to $1,000. Applications are open from September 22—October 29. For courses in the US only. 
https://americanalpineclub.org/partner-in-adventure#utm_source=national1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=partnerinadventure

Cancelation Policy:

If you need to cancel 60 days prior to the course, you will be given a full refund. Cancelations that occur after 60 days will not receive a refund. The course may also be cancelled due to bad weather, sickness, low enrollment, or other logistical challenges and trip insurance is advised.