Last week, 13 Haines School students completed a three-day, Level 1 avalanche course. Students learned to evaluate snow avalanche hazard by recognizing terrain, weather, and snow conditions contributing to avalanches and to perform specific tests to assess snow stability. They practiced avalanche rescue using beacons, probes, and shovels. These students are to be commended for their work; they spent cold days outside, absorbed a lot of material, and learned important skills to help them keep themselves and their friends safer in the mountains.
I would like to thank Scott Sundberg and Bruce Bauer for an excellent job presenting an avalanche awareness assembly for the entire high school, helping to encourage participation in the course. Also, thanks to SEABA for the use of their van for transportation to the pass, and to Alaska Heliskiing for lending beacons, probes and shovels. Thanks to Michelle Byer and Cheryl Stickler at the school for supporting this project, and to the Haines Public Library for classroom space. Thanks to Dan Egolf and the Haines Ski Club for obtaining textbooks on short notice. Thanks to Bruce Bauer for the use of the Funny Farm campus for rescue practice. Most of all, huge thanks to SEABA guide Matt Borish for a flawless job instructing, and Alaska Heliskiing guide Tim Thomas for assisting. I’m very grateful to everyone involved. Bring on the snow!
Laurie Mastrella