Avalanche Safety Module - Certified
Module Overview
The Avalanche Safety Module is designed to evaluate a Candidate’s competency in avalanche terrain. The Candidate shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills to minimize the risk of accidents, appropriately manage avalanche accidents that do occur, and enhance overall group safety during off-piste excursions. Key skills for this module include mountain travel, weather and snowpack observation, and rescue techniques. The Candidate shall also demonstrate leadership abilities, an understanding of the implications of decision making, the ability to adapt to evolving situations, and the ability to prioritize safety while fostering a culture of mutual care and respect within the group.
The Avalanche Safety Module is designed to evaluate a Candidate’s competency in avalanche terrain. The Candidate shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills to minimize the risk of accidents, appropriately manage avalanche accidents that do occur, and enhance overall group safety during off-piste excursions. Key skills for this module include mountain travel, weather and snowpack observation, and rescue techniques. The Candidate shall also demonstrate leadership abilities, an understanding of the implications of decision making, the ability to adapt to evolving situations, and the ability to prioritize safety while fostering a culture of mutual care and respect within the group.
Module Components
The module consists of two pre-exam components and three at-exam components.
Pre-Exam
The module consists of two pre-exam components and three at-exam components.
Pre-Exam
- Certification: No later than two weeks prior to the first day of the exam, the Candidate must present a completion certificate for an NSP Level I Avalanche course or equivalent (AAA Level 1 and AR Course), or an avalanche course approved by the Avalanche Chair and Program Secretary, unless special circumstances are pre-approved. Courses should reflect current best practices. A higher-level course (e.g., Avalanche Level II) may also fulfill this requirement.
- Develop a day-trip plan in avalanche terrain
- Written Exam
- Oral Interview
- Beacon Search
Component Details
Pre-Exam: Day-Trip Plan
Prior to the exam, the Candidate must develop a written plan for a specific day-long ski trip in avalanche terrain outside of a developed ski area. The Candidate shall act as the avalanche safety officer, leading a small group of backcountry skiers or snowboarders.
It is up to the Candidate to select the location and timing of the trip. The plan must include:
The Candidate is not scored directly on the written plan. Instead, the plan will be used during the oral interview, and both the plan’s content and the Candidate’s responses will influence scoring.
Candidates should bring four (4) printed copies of the plan and submit them at event registration for use during the oral interview.
Pre-Exam: Day-Trip Plan
Prior to the exam, the Candidate must develop a written plan for a specific day-long ski trip in avalanche terrain outside of a developed ski area. The Candidate shall act as the avalanche safety officer, leading a small group of backcountry skiers or snowboarders.
It is up to the Candidate to select the location and timing of the trip. The plan must include:
- Professionally published avalanche forecasts for three consecutive days covering the planned area
- A topographical map showing the planned route and contingency routes
- An explanation of primary and contingency routes to maximize ski or ride opportunities based on evolving conditions
- Consideration of avalanche observations, forecasting, and equipment
The Candidate is not scored directly on the written plan. Instead, the plan will be used during the oral interview, and both the plan’s content and the Candidate’s responses will influence scoring.
Candidates should bring four (4) printed copies of the plan and submit them at event registration for use during the oral interview.
Written Exam
The written exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering the NSP Level I Avalanche curriculum. The Candidate must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly to pass.
The written exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering the NSP Level I Avalanche curriculum. The Candidate must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly to pass.
Oral Interview
The oral interview focuses on avalanche conditions, observations, forecasting, safety, and companion rescue based on the NSP Level I Avalanche curriculum. Questions may reference the Candidate’s submitted day-trip plan and associated avalanche forecasts.
The oral interview focuses on avalanche conditions, observations, forecasting, safety, and companion rescue based on the NSP Level I Avalanche curriculum. Questions may reference the Candidate’s submitted day-trip plan and associated avalanche forecasts.
Beacon Search
The beacon search is conducted outdoors in snow-covered terrain. The Candidate begins from a designated start location, out of sight of a simulated debris field, with avalanche rescue equipment stored in their backpack and their transceiver worn in send mode.
Two beacons, each placed in separate bags and set to send mode, will be buried in different locations within the debris field. The Candidate must locate and raise both bags out of the snow within five (5) minutes. Once found, beacons must not be turned off.
A typical search area may be up to 100 meters by 100 meters, with beacons buried over one meter deep. Search time and area may be reduced, but not expanded, at the discretion of the Certified Avalanche Chair due to terrain limitations.
The beacon search is conducted outdoors in snow-covered terrain. The Candidate begins from a designated start location, out of sight of a simulated debris field, with avalanche rescue equipment stored in their backpack and their transceiver worn in send mode.
Two beacons, each placed in separate bags and set to send mode, will be buried in different locations within the debris field. The Candidate must locate and raise both bags out of the snow within five (5) minutes. Once found, beacons must not be turned off.
A typical search area may be up to 100 meters by 100 meters, with beacons buried over one meter deep. Search time and area may be reduced, but not expanded, at the discretion of the Certified Avalanche Chair due to terrain limitations.
Scoring Criteria and Critical Indicators
Each component may be passed independently. All three components must be successfully completed within a three (3) year window to pass the module.
Interview – Critical Indicators
Each component may be passed independently. All three components must be successfully completed within a three (3) year window to pass the module.
Interview – Critical Indicators
- Demonstrates leadership, judgment, and knowledge to safely guide a group in avalanche terrain
- Knowledge of avalanche safety and rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel, inclinometer, compass, maps, rope, airbag, etc.)
- Awareness of avalanche observation standards and techniques
- Understanding of snowpack, weather, and terrain
- Sound decision making and appropriate travel techniques
- Effective planning, contingencies, and companion rescue considerations
- Ability to foster positive group dynamics and adapt to changing conditions
- Pass/Fail. The Candidate must locate and raise both beacons above the debris field within five (5) minutes.
Resources
- National Forest Service and American Avalanche Association – www.avalanche.org
- NSP Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals
- Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain – Bruce Tremper
- Avalanche Essentials – Bruce Tremper
- Snow Sense – Jill Fredston and Doug Fesler
- Snow, Weather, and Avalanches: Observation Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States (SWAG) – American Avalanche Association and USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center