AST 2
AST 2 (Advanced Recreational Avalanche Class)
The AST 2 will test your skills to gather quality data, improve your interpretation skills and highlight opportunities to make better choices regarding route selection and group management. Rescue skills will honed through multiple scenarios and a stronger emphasis on teamwork and foundational search techniques than the AST2. Prepare to be challenged!40 hour minimum
10 students minimum – must be signed up before Nov 10, 2010
12 students maximum
OPTION #1 – Valemount, BC
Dec 18-19, 2010 & Jan 22-23, 2011
OPTION #2 – Grande Prairie, AB
Early – February, 2011
Practical Field Session Meeting Time – Kakwa
February, 2011
Follow this link for the AST2 course outline set by the Canadian Avalanche Centre.
Recommended field equipment (this can be pre-order from Zac’s Tracs or purchased online or at a mountain shop)
- Inclinometer card ~ $10-$20
(or a compass with an inclinometer feature ~$60) - Snow screen ~ $12-$20
- Loupe (magnifier) ~$10-15
- Folding Ruler – 2 m ~$20
- field book (write in the rain paper) ~$15-$30
- pencils
- FULL SNOWSTUDY KIT ~ $130 (SEAR 2008 pricing, see link below)
Follow this link to the website for SEAR Search & Rescue Equipment.
www3.telus.net/sear Call Garry Walton for info & to order 250-707-0063
MEC and other mountain shops may carry this equipment also.
Recommended Preparation
Ask yourself a few questions:
- Did your previous avalanche training include a hands-on component? AST1 or RAC ?
- How long ago? The research, curriculum and avalanche equipment is constantly changing. Is your introductory training up to date?
- How much have you ‘used’ your avy training since?
What I mean is have you ever dug a pit outside of the course?
Do you make conscious decisions related to route finding?
Do you use the CAC Avalanche Bulletin and do you understand the majority of it? - Have you ever heard of the AVALUATOR? This is a new decision making tool that is endorsed by the CAC for recreational backcountry use. You must have working knowledge of the PAB scale and the ATES scale (Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale).
It is recommended that interested participants feel confident about the material in the ‘Sledding in Avalanche Terrain’ AST1 course manual.
It is recommended to read ‘Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain’ by Bruce Tremper.
Personal experience digging snowpits (other than in your AST1 course) will allow you to take your introductory skills to a new level.
I have included all of these questions to help you determine the best investment: a refresher of an AST1 or to move up to the AST2.
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