Program Introduction Blog Post
I learned about the Avalanche Science Program during an Avalanche Rescue Course during the ‘20-’21 winter season. Our group included someone who was infamous for saying that he was “thinking about” getting his pro certification while dispensing questionable advice. This time it had the benefit of prompting the instructor to talk about the program at CMC. We heard that if he were getting his certifications today, he would do it through CMC; there was nothing else like it in the country. That piqued my interest.
Coincidentally, about a week after taking part in the program, a close friend went for an afternoon tour in the forest behind our house in Blue Rive. It’s an area we have toured often and know well. While I was not thrilled that he had decided to go off alone, I didn’t question the decision much . As the sun began to fall, I started to worry and as it passed below the ridgeline I received a confused call over the radio. It was clear he was confused but was able to relay his location “at the kicker”. He had decided to practice his backflips on the ramp some friends had built recently. The result, captured in full 4k on his GoPro and shown in the still on the right, shows the moment of the severe concussion that resulted. Touring up the mountain in the dark with intermittent radio communication and his rapidly decreasing mental faculties was terrifying. It wasn’t an avalanche, a tree well, or broken equipment, just bad decisions. We found him, got him to the hospital, and one pissed off mom and sister later he was home and on the mend. After that experience, AIARE 1 was not good enough.
When I finish this program I want to have the skills to confidently manage any emergency situation in the winter wilderness. Beyond that, I want the skills to plan and execute winter excursions in the US and beyond into areas that lack the benefit of forecasting centers and paid experts. I look forward to finding out how much I do not know today.
Throughout the program, I’ll support my peers by meeting or exceeding all my commitments for class and sharing my experience with people outside of the program. I’ll also always have skittles.
Coming into this program I was not worried about managing my effort. After the first week, I was. Along with our first class and getting used to being in a school again after 6 years, I started a new job and found myself a bit overwhelmed. After the second week, I am much more confident. I’m looking forward to meeting the class in person and learning about each other on this two year journey.
