Avalanche Operations Level 3 - Canadian Avalanche Association

Avalanche Operations Level 3: Applied Avalanche Risk Management

Avalanche Operations Level 3: Applied Avalanche Risk Management is the final course in the CAA's training progression for avalanche professionals. It is designed to teach students general concepts of risk that will help them create a risk management framework for use in practical applications in snow avalanche risk management planning and operations. This framework is based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 31000 standard and includes establishing context; communication and consultation strategies; techniques for monitoring and review; assessing risk (risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation); and risk treatment.

This is a five-day, classroom-based course that takes place every other year on even numbered years (2022, 2024, etc...). Students are required to complete significant readings before course start. Review the sample course schedule to better understand some of the theories and concepts that will be studied. After the course, learners craft a professional written report they submit and present in the spring for assessment. Please refer to the Course Evaluation tab below for further details.

Check the course calendar for course/exam dates, locations, and registration. Applications are reviewed year round, priority will be given to those received prior to June 1. Registration for the course opens in June, students must have an approved Level 3 application in order to register.

If you are interested in attending a Level 3 course at a location or date not currently offered, please submit your information using this survey. Given enough indicated interest, we will contact you via email if new offerings become available.

Program Goals

The Level 3 goals and objectives are displayed in the course DACUM.

Prerequisites, Application, and Registration

Students must apply to enter the Level 3 program. To view the prerequisites, application, and registration information, please visit the Level 3 Application webpage.

2024-2025 Course Fees

Level 3 Course (Kamloops, BC):

Registration Fee	$ 250.00	Non-refundable
Course Materials	$ 125.00	Non-refundable
Tuition	$ 2,105.00	Subject to Refund and Cancellation Policy
Total	$ 2,480.00

Level 3 Assessment (Online):

Registration Fee	$ 100.00	Non-refundable
Tuition	$ 1,305.00	Subject to Refund and Cancellation Policy
Total	$ 1,405.00

An additional $100 shipping fee is charged to students who reside outside of Canada.

For information on potential funding available for CAA students, please consult the Scholarships & Grants page.

Sample Schedule

View a sample schedule for the Level 3 course.

Equipment, Logistics, and Materials

Upon registration all students will receive a confirmation e-mail that contains links to the course logistics information. Students will be mailed a program package that includes:

The Level 3 student manual and readings; (Level 3 reading list).
Technical Aspects of Snow Avalanche Risk Management.

It is the student's responsibility to contact the CAA office if they have not received this package one month prior to course start.

Pre-course readings and questions take 15+ hours and must be completed prior to the course. The pre-course readings are extensive and very technical in nature be sure to give yourself time to digest the information.

The Level 3 course is a classroom-based course. Come prepared with your laptop, power cable, student package, and pen and notepad.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course and field locations.

Course Evaluation

To obtain the Level 3 certificate, students must successfully complete an evaluation that takes place in the spring after the classroom course. This evaluation consists of two components: a written report and an oral presentation that describe how avalanche risk was managed in day-to-day operations using key Level 3 concepts. Please view the Level 3 examination guidelines for full details, marking schemes, and re-test options.

The written report is due in late May. The oral presentation takes place in mid June.

Students require a minimum of 70% in both components, oral and written, to achieve the CAA Avalanche Operations Level 3 certificate.

Student Policies

Refer to the student resources webpage for a complete list of student policies, the CAA Release of Liability and Waiver, Student Enrolment Contract and other information.

LEVEL 3 APPLICATION INFORMATION

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