Introduction to Weather is the first of two courses that focus on the fundamental theory essential to understanding basic weather forecasts and online weather resources. Taught by leading forecasters and avalanche practitioners in Canada, this course is designed for anyone interested in knowing more about weather, its behaviour in mountainous regions, and its connection with snow and avalanche conditions. It is also useful for students who wish to refresh and improve their current weather knowledge.
This course focuses on analyzing and interpreting forecasts following a large-scale to local-scale process called the forecast funnel approach. Students will be introduced to publicly available tools and methods that help assess various weather scenarios in the mountains. The fundamental skills acquired in this course provide the base of knowledge needed for
Advanced Weather, which focuses on the actual forecasting process and numerical weather prediction, including ensemble forecasts. Graduates from Introduction to Weather will know how to access and interpret weather data and forecasts relevant to their operational context.
The course is offered in person over 2 days or online over 8 weeks. Visit the course calendar
for course dates, locations, and registration.
Program Goals
Introduction to Weather goals and objectives are displayed in the course DACUM
.
Prerequisites
Participants must be of legal age (19 years or older in BC, 18 years or older in AB and QC).
Recommended courses and experience:
Online Course Option
The online course takes place over eight weeks on Moodle, the CAA`s online learning platform. It is primarily self-directed, with weekly one-hour Zoom sessions with the instructor. The materials for each topic are made available on a weekly basis
and we recommend that students commit four to six hours per week, not including the Zoom sessions. The Zoom sessions are optional and are recorded for those who cannot attend.
The online course also involves one formative assessment (graded for feedback only) and one summative assessment due at the end of week eight. This summative assessment constitutes your final passing grade. Late submissions will not be accepted. Medical extension will be considered on a case-by-case basis: should your medical circumstances forbid you from completing the course, please email BOTH your instructor AND ITP Student Services (studentservices@avalancheassociation.ca)
as soon as you are able.
To participate in the online option, students will require access to a computer/laptop/tablet, a fast, reliable Internet connection (wired connections are strongly recommended), a headset (microphone and speakers), and a webcam.
2024-25 Registration Process
Registration takes place online beginning on June 25, 2024 at 10:00AM Pacific. Visit the course calendar for course dates, locations, and registration information.
Full payment is required to register.
2024-25 Course Fees
2024-25 In-Person Course Fees:
An additional $100 international shipping fee may be applied for students who reside outside of Canada.
2024-25 Online Course Fees:
Online students will receive a view-only PDF version of the course manual. Hard copies of the manual are also available to purchase for $75.
For information on potential funding available for CAA students, please consult the Scholarships & Grants webpage.
Sample Schedule
View a sample schedule for the in person version of the Introduction to Weather.
Course Equipment and Materials
In-Person
Immediately following registration, all students will be given access to a course-specific Box drive with information regarding course logistics, venues, and mandatory preparation checklists. This link is featured in the registration confirmation email, and resent once again before the course begins.
Students will be mailed a hard copy of the Introduction to Weather Manual. Please email ITP Student Services if you do not receive this package one month prior to your course start date.
Pre-course readings and questions take 20+ hours and must be completed prior to starting the course.
Online
Students will be given access to a view-only PDF version of the course manual. Hard copies are also available for purchase for $75.
To participate in the course, students require access to a computer/laptop/tablet, a fast, reliable Internet connection (wired connections are strongly recommended), a headset (microphone and speakers), and a webcam.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course and field locations.
Course Evaluation
Participant are evaluated based on the final assignment, which involves interpreting weather resources from a weather event and applying them to a specific location. A
passing mark of 70% or greater must be achieved to attain the Introduction to Weather certificate.
Students taking the online version must also complete weekly learning activities to obtain the course certificate.
Student Policies
Refer to the student resources webpage for a complete list of student policies, the CAA Release of Liability and Waiver, and other information.