Avalanche Terrain Avoidance

The Avalanche Terrain Avoidance Clinic (ATA) - December 16, 2023

Registration will open on 1 November 2023

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 4-hour lecture followed by four 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 a case study of an avalanche accident.

In the field, we will observe terrain and make travel decisions based on the planned route, and travel adjustments in the field in avoiding 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 - $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:

• Brad Cotten at allcotten5@gmail.com 720/280-7498
• Linda Lawson at lkl14er@comcast.net 303/842-7040