Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping goals and objectives are displayed in course DACUM.

Applicants must have and prove at time of registration:

• Avalanche Operations Level 1 OR Resource and Transportation Avalanche Management; OR similar training and experience in a related field. Students can apply to waive this prerequisite using the Prior Learning Assessment process.
• Strong topographic map reading and interpretation skills.
• Basic trigonometry and algebra skills that are sufficient to evaluate slope lengths and inclines, work with fractions and scales, and be able to rearrange formulae to solve basic equations.
• Good physical fitness.

Registration takes place online. Visit the course calendar for course dates, locations, location-specific logistics, and registration. 

 

You will be required to upload a scan or JPEG of the following document:

• Level 1 or RTAM certificate, OR an approved Prior Learning Assessment.

Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping will return in 2025. The information below applied to the 2023-24 season, and offers a ballpark of what to expect by way of course fees.

 

2023/2024 course fees:

Registration and administration fee	$250	Non-refundable
Course materials fee	$125	Non-refundable
Tuition fee	$2220	Subject to the Refund and Cancellation Policy
Total	$2595

 

An additional $100 registration fee is applied to international students to account for shipping costs.

 

Grants and scholarships:

The Avalanche Canada Foundation offers yearly scholarships for students for a variety of courses. There is also an Alberta job grant. Many local employment centres and/or SAR groups can also help with local funding opportunities.

 

The Canada Training Credit is a new refundable tax credit through the Government of Canada to help Canadians with the cost of training fees. For more information click here.

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View a sample schedule for the Mapping course.

Upon registration, all students will receive a confirmation email that contains links to the course's logistics. Students will be mailed a program package that includes:

• Introduction to Snow Avalanche Mapping Student Manual
• CAA's Technical Aspects of Snow Avalanche Risk Management (TASARM)

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

 

Students will be required to download the following text:

• Weir, P. (2002). Snow Avalanche Management in Forested Terrain, BC Ministry of Forestry. ISBN 0-7726-4881-6.

These other publications are highly recommended. Each student should have personal copies and be fully familiar with their content and use in the avalanche industry. You may order them through the CAA Online Store. 

• McClung, D. & Schaerer, P. (2006). The Avalanche Handbook. 3rd ed.: Vancouver, BC: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.
• Canadian Avalanche Association, (2016). Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanches.

Pre-course readings, exercises, assignments, and questions take 30+ hours and must be completed prior to starting the course.

 

The course is a mixture of classroom and field-based learning. Students will alternate between being inside and outside daily, with daily assignments requiring evening work in the air photo lab.

 

A venue-specific equipment list is included in the logistics email you receive with registration. Make sure to read this list carefully and bring all mandatory items. Please refer to the sample equipment list as a general guideline.         

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the course and field locations. There is a fair bit of driving on course and students are responsible for their own transportation.

Participants are evaluated based on the daily assignments and the final assignment. Participants must attend the entire course, complete all daily assignments, receive a minimum of 70% on the final assignment, and a minimum overall grade of 70% to obtain a certificate of completion. 

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.