STANDARD COMPETENICES

 

 1. Describe the formation, development, and ablation of the seasonal snow cover

 2. Describe basic physical properties and processes as they relate to snow

 3. Describe the basic processes that lead to avalanche release

 4. Describe the basic forces that impact snow cover

 5. Describe avalanche type and character

 6. Describe avalanche terrain

 7. Describe a range of field observations

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE

 

 I. Formation of the mountain snowpack

 II. Dynamics of the seasonal snow cover

 III. Basic concepts in weather effects on avalanche development

      a. Snow

      b. Rain

      c. Wind

      d. Temperatures

 IV. Formation of clouds and new snow in the atmosphere

 V. Basic physical science as it relates to snowpack development

      a. Vapor pressure

      b. Radiation

      c. Energy exchange

      d. Mass and mass states

 VI. Development of snowpack structure

      a. Existence of layers and interfaces

      b. Snow metamorphism

              i. Metamorphic regimes

             ii. Temperature regimes

            iii. Density

            iv. Temperature gradients

            v. Grain size, shape, and bonds

      c. Crust formation

      d. Vapor pressure

 VII. Forces on the snowpack

      a. Settlement

      b. Creep

      c. Glide

 VIII. Introduction to fracture including related terminology

 IX. Properties of Snow

      a. Thermal

      b. Mechanical

      c. Optical

 X. Avalanche type/characteristics/problems; introduction and clarifying terminology

 XI. Avalanche terrain

 XII. Intro to field observations