The Canadian Avalanche Association http://www.avalanche.ca/ is putting together an on-line avy education project and has requested a couple pics from the splitters. Does anyone have a pic of “the transition”.
Something similar to this one but maybe more current?
Sweet! Where did you take yours? Mine was at Ptarmigan hut. The best way to experience that course. There was no snow for weeks w/ a fat surface hoar w/ a bunch of crappy facet layers. Then it dumped for days, and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I saw a couple class 4’s go tearing off. I dug so many 3+ meter pits. I was one tired bastard after that course.
Mark Klaussen was the instructors name. Outstanding fellow!
I took mine through Mountain Savvy. Glenn Kessler was the instructor (he’s been the lead climbing ranger at Mt. Rainer for the last several years). We did coursework at Oregon State University and the field work near Hoodoo Oregon. I had a similar experience – no new snow, but lots of pit digging and some facets, along with some multiple burial rescue scenarios that were pretty realistic. The course actually doubled as a CAA1 and AST1. It definitely was a good experience.
Sorry my bad.. it’s actually Karl Klassen. Mark is his younger brother whom also is a IFMGA guide. I didn’t know my instructor was Craigs instructor at the time, but found that out after watching “let it ride”. Theres a photo of Craig standing at the Ptarmigan Hut holding his cert w/ Karl, and some other gentlemen.
Buff!… that guy is another ruler. Him and another guide named Lee Usher. They all used guide @ BaldFace before moving on to Retallack. That was a rippin 2 weeks in Nelson back in 02′. I was super lucky to rip BaldFace in it’s 1st official year of business on flippin standby, and got to ride with Craig, and Lee.
I can’t wait to go back to Nelson for Whitewater, and RetallackA.