Avalanche companion rescue skills are critical for saving lives in the event of an avalanche. Refreshing these skills every year is essential. We will practice the skills covered in the Companion Rescue Primer Webinar offered by Avalanche Canada:

1. Understanding avalanche bulletin and weather forecast.
2. Transceiver Proficiency: group checks at the trailhead.
3. Identify different types of avy terrain.
4. Search techniques: search patterns, following the signal, probe area determination.
5. Probing techniques.
6. Shoveling techniques.
7. Rescue organization: role assignment and communication.
8. Buried target practice.

I'm not an instructor or guide. I took the AST-1 last winter, and this event's goal is to practice the techniques with other people who have taken the AST-1 before. This is a shared learning exercise. This is not a substitute for the AST-1.

Details

• Location: Round Mountain. We will summit the mountain and practice the skills along the way. We will do the buried target practice either at the summit or on the way back.
• Duration: 6-8 hours, depending on how long we take doing the buried targets practice.
• Meeting: St David's United Church at 7:30am. The recommended carpooling fee for the round trip is $20.

To drive to the trailhead winter tires and chains are required.

What to bring

1. Ten Essentials (https://www.northshorerescue.com/education/what-to-bring/).
2. Your preferred travel gear (snowshoes, skis, boots, etc.).
3. Avy gear (shovel, transceiver and probe).
4. Layered clothing including a waterproof layer (expect lower temperatures at higher elevations).
5. Water (at least 2 liters).
6. Food and snacks.
7. Gloves.