Thanks for the generosity of Sean Gaffney and Zach Tarleton of Alaska Mountain Guides/International Wilderness Leadership School. Eighth-grade students have completed a 24-hour Avalanche Level 1 course with their guidance. Students learned to recognize the terrain features, weather patterns and snow conditions that lead to avalanches, and how to make the safest possible decisions when traveling in the mountains. They practiced rescue techniques using avalanche beacons, probes and shovels, and learned several snow stability tests. Alaska Heliskiing guide Tim Thomas helped with the field day. The willingness of these instructors to give their time and share their expertise is greatly appreciated and will lead to everyone being safer out there. AMG and Alaska Heliskiing have demonstrated once again their professionalism and dedication to kids and our community.

Lexie DeWitt and Laurie Mastrella for the 8th grade class

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