Avy Course Level 2 Day 3

On our third day of our Level III course we headed out into Teton National Park, referred to by the locals as "The Park." A short skin to gain a little elevation and we're there.

Brian and Erica show us how it's done. The compression test is utilized to check the stability of the snowpack and its results can indicate whether  a human alone could fracture a weak layer in the snowpack or if more weight is needed to fracture. The test also reveals the shear strength of the layers, an indicator of how easily an avalanche could slide.

Jack uses the skills he's acquired to analyze snow crystals. The crystals found today indicate a stable snowpack with good bonding and low avalanche danger.

Jack checks the hardness of the various layers in the snowpack while I transcribe the results.

Brian shows the class how to conduct a beacon search for multiple buried victims.

This shot is actually from our 4th day of the level II class and is taken at the top of the hike through the cuoloir from Garnet Canyon.