Avalanche Terrain Avoidance

The Avalanche Terrain Avoidance Clinic (ATA) - December 15, 2024

Registration will open on October 1,  2024

The Avalanche Terrain Avoidance Clinic teaches you to recognize when and where avalanche danger may exist. More importantly, how to avoid it. Sources of information and methods for planning routes free from avalanche danger. This clinic requires no prerequisites. Participating in the field exercises is required to earn the ATA badge.

In order to AVOID avalanche terrain, you must be capable of RECOGNIZING IT. This is why you take ATA.

CMC Winter Trip Leaders - This one day clinic is required for winter, non-backcountry leaders who wish to lead winter trips in non-avalanche terrain. Trip Leaders may apply to the CMC Leadership Project for tuition support. Also, if you have taken AIARE 1 and are passionate about snow and safety, consider being a Field Assistant for this course. Contact information is listed below.

Be ready for a 3 to 4-hour lecture followed by 3 to 4 hours in the field. The field portion of the course is immediately after the morning lecture. Students should bring their regular 10 Essentials and be prepared for winter conditions in the field. 

Bring your snowshoe equipment to class.  We will depart directly from class to the field.

Our Learning Objectives & Outcomes 

• Understand why Colorado has the most dangerous avalanche conditions in the US
• Learn what an avalanche is and what factors contribute to an avalanche
• Understand and apply current avalanche forecast
• Recognize & avoid avalanche hazards
• Use tools for planning a successful trip
• Learn from case studies of  avalanche accidents

In the field, we will observe terrain and make travel decisions based on the planned route, and to avoid exposure to avalanche terrain. We'll use slope meters to identify potential avalanche terrain to avoid as we travel through non-avalanche terrain. These techniques can be taught with or without snow conditions.

Fees - $ 30 Trip Leaders/or scholarship $40 CMC Non-Trip Leaders; $50 General Public

Class Size - up to 30 people

When registering for the clinic, the system should automatically register you for the Field Day activity. If it does not, you can register for it directly.

QUESTIONS? Contact:

• Linda Lawson at lkl14er@comcast.net 303/842-7040