avalanche training

Ever wonder what it would be like to be buried in an avalanche or have a riding companion buried in one? This past weekend, Chad "El Postino" B and I camped out up in the White Mtns of NH and learned from the boys over at EMS Climbing School the do's and dont's. We were signed up for the AIARE Avalanche Training Level 1 with level 3 being the highest...so we are basically avy rookies. Both of us want to go into Avalanche type terrain because that is where the good stuff is.

el postino...chad b in da' house yo!

Day one was in the classroom where we met our fellow students(8 others) and where instructors Steve and Dave taught us about the science of what goes into causing an avalanche and better yet, how to avoid being IN one. One of the first cool things was learning that is not about NOT going out into terrain that my have avalanches but where you can still go out and be safe. Which is really cool! So you're in some crazy terrain but instead of staying in for the day, you can choose other options that may not be as gnarly. It was pretty much raining balls during the day so we were worried that we may not be able to head up into Tuckermans on Monday....we certainly had our fingers crossed as we headed to the bar with our fellow students.
Sam took the award that night for being the zaniest, crazy mother%%^^er in the group!
Day 2 we got to get out into the field and use avalanche beacons and learn how to do a mock recovery. It was pretty humbling to see how disorganized we all were at first but we fell into a rhythm after we worked together as a group.  We also learned about analyzing snow pack and in-the-field tests that you could do to ensure you are prepared to venture into Avy terrain. The rain had slowed down by then so we were all hopeful of getting up into Avalanche territory the next day in Tuckerman's Ravine. We all met up at the Moat after and ripped it up!
Day 3 was the best! Blue skies, and pretty warm temps as we all ascended the Tuckerman Trail on snowshoes or skis. Chad and I were the only boarders of the group so we didn't quite know what to expect. We went up and got into the path of an old avalanche up on Hillman's Highway which was incredible! We learned where we DIDN"T want to be for sure as there were trees just snapped in half like twigs and a debris zone that looked like a bomb had hit. Avy danger was moderate up in Tuckermans that day and with a group of 12 people, there was a chance that we may set one off so we picked a cool line on the "Little Headwall" and linked that into the Sherburne Ski trail all the way back to the parking lot. The descent was pretty sketch in spots as there was sections of bullet proof ice that looked like powder but wasn't,  due to 2 solid days of rain previously but we all made it down unscathed. Chad and I definitely took a few diggers but hey that's half the battle anyway. We certainly learned a lot but we also learned that there is still SOOO much more to learn. Avalanches are very tricky to understand and as level one training was done, we realized that we still have a long way to go!

are you ready???

Big props go to Steve Nichipor and Dave Lottman from EMS and to the other cats in the class who made the weekend incredible!Go to www.emsClimb.com  if you want to get into the backcountry and be prepared. Actually there has even been a bunch of deaths lately at ski areas from avalanches so don't fool yourself into thinking it can' t happen to you because your doing lift service. Also check out the AIARE website to learn more....http://avtraining.org/
I took a few crappy shots with a little point and shoot of the crew. peace
skye

steve showing us how to dig a pit to test for stability

now what???? get informed!

the group looking up into the storm

focused and ready to take on any avalanche or pint of IPA
that comes their way!

el postino working up a sweat!

now go get out there!