Snowpit and Instability Test Refresher with David Lottmann (Sunday 2/23/25)
Snowpit and Instability Test Refresher- David is one of the leading AIARE course leaders in the valley, has instructed countless amounts of AIARE 1 and 2 courses, and is always continuing his avalanche education to bring the best insights to his students. Have you taken an avalanche course in the past and want to brush up on some of the things you learned? Just taken your first Rec1 and feel overloaded with information and not know what to do with it all? Or, just want to get a better understanding and learn the differences of all the different instability test?
In this course the group will travel to a suitable field location to practice snowpack observations including- pole probing, hand shears, hand hardness, Compression Test, Extended Column Test, Propagation Saw Test, Rutschblock Test, grain identification, and documentation. The content will be appropriate for advanced recreationalists and aspiring Pro avalanche field workers (guides, ski patrol, forecasters), and anyone really interested in "snow science". The SWAG (Snow, Weather, and Avalanches Guidelines) available as a free online PDF will be referenced. While the travel portion of this course will be short, touring gear is still recommended.
This course will have minimal touring and a focus on snow pit observations and stability test craftsmanship
This course does not require the participant to bring their own beacon, probe, and shovel, but if you have them they can get put to use.
This course will have a maximum of 6 participants.
A Little Info About David
David has devoted his entire adult life to climbing – pushing his grade on recreational objectives and working as a professional mountain guide. After a stint in the United States Marine Corp, he was hired as a rock and ice instructor and since has expanded his repertoire to include alpine, skiing and avalanche education. David is a certified Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guide Association [AMGA], an Ortovox Team Athlete, a DPS Ski Ambassador, an expert gear tester at the Gear Institute, an American Institute for Avalanche Awareness and Education [AIARE] Course Leader, holds a Wilderness First Responder [WFR] and is a volunteer member of Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue [AVSAR] and Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LRSAR). Be sure to check out Dave’s website https://northeastalpinestart.com/ and follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeast_alpine_start/
Ability Level
This course is ideal for anyone looking to expand their avalanche education that meets the prerequisites.
Prerequisites
Minimum of AIARE 1 or equivalent Rec1 from other providers
*photos on this page by Cait Bourgault and Alexandra Roberts
Snowpit and Instability Test Refresher- David is one of the leading AIARE course leaders in the valley, has instructed countless amounts of AIARE 1 and 2 courses, and is always continuing his avalanche education to bring the best insights to his students. Have you taken an avalanche course in the past and want to brush up on some of the things you learned? Just taken your first Rec1 and feel overloaded with information and not know what to do with it all? Or, just want to get a better understanding and learn the differences of all the different instability test?
In this course the group will travel to a suitable field location to practice snowpack observations including- pole probing, hand shears, hand hardness, Compression Test, Extended Column Test, Propagation Saw Test, Rutschblock Test, grain identification, and documentation. The content will be appropriate for advanced recreationalists and aspiring Pro avalanche field workers (guides, ski patrol, forecasters), and anyone really interested in "snow science". The SWAG (Snow, Weather, and Avalanches Guidelines) available as a free online PDF will be referenced. While the travel portion of this course will be short, touring gear is still recommended.
This course will have minimal touring and a focus on snow pit observations and stability test craftsmanship
This course does not require the participant to bring their own beacon, probe, and shovel, but if you have them they can get put to use.
This course will have a maximum of 6 participants.
A Little Info About David
David has devoted his entire adult life to climbing – pushing his grade on recreational objectives and working as a professional mountain guide. After a stint in the United States Marine Corp, he was hired as a rock and ice instructor and since has expanded his repertoire to include alpine, skiing and avalanche education. David is a certified Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guide Association [AMGA], an Ortovox Team Athlete, a DPS Ski Ambassador, an expert gear tester at the Gear Institute, an American Institute for Avalanche Awareness and Education [AIARE] Course Leader, holds a Wilderness First Responder [WFR] and is a volunteer member of Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue [AVSAR] and Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LRSAR). Be sure to check out Dave’s website https://northeastalpinestart.com/ and follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeast_alpine_start/
Ability Level
This course is ideal for anyone looking to expand their avalanche education that meets the prerequisites.
Prerequisites
Minimum of AIARE 1 or equivalent Rec1 from other providers
*photos on this page by Cait Bourgault and Alexandra Roberts
Snowpit and Instability Test Refresher- David is one of the leading AIARE course leaders in the valley, has instructed countless amounts of AIARE 1 and 2 courses, and is always continuing his avalanche education to bring the best insights to his students. Have you taken an avalanche course in the past and want to brush up on some of the things you learned? Just taken your first Rec1 and feel overloaded with information and not know what to do with it all? Or, just want to get a better understanding and learn the differences of all the different instability test?
In this course the group will travel to a suitable field location to practice snowpack observations including- pole probing, hand shears, hand hardness, Compression Test, Extended Column Test, Propagation Saw Test, Rutschblock Test, grain identification, and documentation. The content will be appropriate for advanced recreationalists and aspiring Pro avalanche field workers (guides, ski patrol, forecasters), and anyone really interested in "snow science". The SWAG (Snow, Weather, and Avalanches Guidelines) available as a free online PDF will be referenced. While the travel portion of this course will be short, touring gear is still recommended.
This course will have minimal touring and a focus on snow pit observations and stability test craftsmanship
This course does not require the participant to bring their own beacon, probe, and shovel, but if you have them they can get put to use.
This course will have a maximum of 6 participants.
A Little Info About David
David has devoted his entire adult life to climbing – pushing his grade on recreational objectives and working as a professional mountain guide. After a stint in the United States Marine Corp, he was hired as a rock and ice instructor and since has expanded his repertoire to include alpine, skiing and avalanche education. David is a certified Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guide Association [AMGA], an Ortovox Team Athlete, a DPS Ski Ambassador, an expert gear tester at the Gear Institute, an American Institute for Avalanche Awareness and Education [AIARE] Course Leader, holds a Wilderness First Responder [WFR] and is a volunteer member of Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue [AVSAR] and Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LRSAR). Be sure to check out Dave’s website https://northeastalpinestart.com/ and follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeast_alpine_start/
Ability Level
This course is ideal for anyone looking to expand their avalanche education that meets the prerequisites.
Prerequisites
Minimum of AIARE 1 or equivalent Rec1 from other providers
*photos on this page by Cait Bourgault and Alexandra Roberts