Motorized Level 1

3/2/21 Update!

Three slots just came available for this class. To signup, email our Education Coordinator at education@flatheadavalanche.org. 

We are excited to host one additional Motorized Level 1 course this winter due to popular demand. 

 Thank you so much for your interest! We'll have another amazing line-up for motorized avy classes next season. 

The motorized Level 1 avalanche course is an interactive program covering the fundamentals of avalanche hazards including awareness and stability assessments. This three day, 24-hour course consists of 40% classroom time and 60% in-the-field study. Instructors and students travel in and around avalanche terrain on the Flathead National Forest. The Classroom portion will most likely be virtual, so stay tuned for more information.  Possible field locations include Canyon Creek and the west side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir. $300 per student. 

Transportation is on your own. Provide your own lunches. Wear appropriate clothing and a helmet. You are required to have a fully operational modern avalanche transceiver (457kHz), an avalanche shovel (no plastic blades) and an avalanche probe. Also, you must have your own registered snowmobile/snowbike that is in good working order.

The course will be following American Avalanche Association guidelines focusing on:

• Recognizing and traveling in avalanche terrain. 
• Reading, interpreting and using avalanche forecast along with field observations to make competent decision-making plans when entering avalanche terrain. 
• The use of, and rescue skills associated with avalanche transceivers. 
• Field observations of snowpack, weather, and terrain along with the elements of snowpack formation. 
• The use and interpretation of stability tests. 
• The human factors that contribute to the decision making process.

****Our Partners at Flathead Snowmobile Association want to pay for your class!!! That's right, they have a grant to use on Motorized Avalanche Education this season and want to cover your class. Simply sign up and submit your receipt to them for reimbursement. First come first serve but it sounds like anyone interested should be able to qualify. You aren't required to be a member to participate but perhaps consider membership or a small donation as a token of appreciation for this sweet offer!***

Class Details 

Classroom Portion: Thursday, March 4, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM    -    Virtual Class

Field Days: Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM    -    Flathead National Forest



Specific class details and participation waiver will be sent a few days prior to class.