Outdoor Recreation Faciliites Inventory

Avalanche Awareness For Snowmobilers


 

Click on this link to go to the Avalance Education Information Repository:
http://www.snowiasa.org//avalanche-education/



**Statewide class listing and course schedule listed below**

Avalanches continue to be Idaho’s number one killer of snowmobilers. Each rider should know how to recognize avalanche terrain, safe route selection and be not only familiar with rescue equipment but proficient in its use.

Know the capabilities of your machine.

Today’s snowmobiles put riders at greater risk, faster than ever before. The power and maneuverability of modern machines allow riders to more quickly reach greater altitudes and snow depths, placing riders in avalanche terrain and in danger faster than ever before. Despite their speed, snowmobiles cannot outrun avalanches.

Familiarize yourself with terrain, snow and weather conditions.

Speed, required gear, and weight of the machine combine to make it difficult for a snowmobile rider to notice common avalanche warning signs, such as collapsing of the snow. In addition, weather and snow conditions can change without notice. Take the time to analyze snow pack and slope angles. Also, learn to recognize recent avalanche activity and unstable snow conditions. That terrain should be avoided. Make it a habit to visit www.avalanche.org before each outing.

Carry proper rescue gear and know how to use it.

Every rider should carry and be able to safely use a shovel, probe, and avalanche transceiver. These items need be with the rider and not the machine, as riders are rarely found next to their machines when recovered from an avalanche. Do you know how to use your transceiver? In an avalanche, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Invite your riding partners over to practice and develop proficiency. On the mountain, the life saved may be your own.

On a slope, only expose one rider at a time.

In Idaho, over half the people killed in avalanches would be alive today if only one rider at a time was exposed on a slope. Any slope can slide and cause an avalanche. One at a time, this one precaution saves lives.

Take a free avalanche awareness course.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) offers free snowmobile-centered avalanche awareness courses throughout the state. Avalanche awareness training provides snowmobile riders with the information needed to make informed decisions.

 For your personal safety and the safety of those you travel with, take a free awarenss course.

2008 /2009 IDPR Sponsored Avalanche Awareness Class Schedule

Classes are limited to 50 participants and will fill up fast. Pre-registration is required. To sign up, please contact the Trails Specialist or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trainer in your area.
(Field locations are subject to change due to snow conditions)

South Idaho

 

Contact:  Lance Robinson - (208) 514-2413 lrobinson@idpr.idaho.gov or
Todd Wernex - (208) 514-2413 twernex@idpr.idaho.gov
5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID
DATE LOCATION TYPE TIME
November 12 Caldwell - Michael's Idaho Powersports Classroom 7p-8:30p
November 19 Meridian - Snake River Yamaha Class 7p-8:30p
December 29 Redline Recreational Toys Class 7p-8:30p
January 10 Whoop-um-up Parking Lot (field portion of Caldwell /Boise class) Field 8a-1p
January 24 Burley - Snake River Sports & Marina Class/Field 8a-3p
January 30 Donnely - Tamarack Falls Groomer Shed     Classroom 7p-8:30p
January 31      Tamarck Falls Snowmobile Parking Lot Field 8a-1p
February 6 Council - U.S. Forest Service Building Classroom 7p-8:30p
February 7 Council area - TBA Field 8a - 1p
February 27 Fairfield - U.S. Forest Service Building Class 7p - 8:30 p
February 28 Fairfield - Chimney Creek Parking Lot Field 8a-1p

East Idaho

 

Contact:    Pat Carlson - pcarlson@idpr.idaho.gov or
Michael Robinson- mrobinson@idpr.idaho.gov
4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, ID (208) 525-7121
DATE LOCATION TYPE TIME
November 12 Idaho Falls - IDPR East Region Service Center Classroom 7p-8:30p
January 9 Idaho Falls - IDPR East Region Office Classroom 7p-8:30p
January 10 Big Holes - TBA Field 8a-1p
January 24 Harriman State Park & Island Park Class/Field 8a-3p
January 31 Salmon - TBA Class/Field 8a-3p
February 6 Pocatello - U.S. Forest Service Building Classroom 7p-8:30p
February 7     Pocatello - Crystal Summit Field 8a-1p
February 21 Mackay - TBA Class/Field 8a-3p
February 27 Preston - Robinson Building Classroom 7p-8:30p
February 28 Copenhagen Parking Lot Field 8a-1p

North Idaho

 

Contact:  Melissa Connors - mconnors@idpr.idaho.gov or
Marc Hildesheim - mhildesheim@idpr.idaho.gov
2885 Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 769-1511
DATE LOCATION TYPE TIME
January 17 Coeur d'Alene - IDPR Region Office & 4th of July Parking Lot Class/Field 9a-3p
January 24 Sandpoint - Forest Service Building & Cabinet Mountains Class/Field 9a-3p
January 31 Elk River - Elk River Airstrip Class/Field 9a-3p
February 7 Pierce - Community Center & French Mountain Saddle Class/Field 9a-3p

 Locations:

Fairfield - 102 1st Street East, Fairfield, Idaho
Meridian - 535 Locust Grove Suite 170, Meridian, Idaho (208) 695-2288
Caldwell - Michaels Idaho Powersports 6611 Cleveland Blvd (208) 459-1811
Meridian - Snake River Yamaha 2957 E. Fairview 208) 888-6565
Island Park - Harriman State Park 18 miles north of Ashton on Highway 20 (208) 558-7368
Burley- Snake River Sports & Marina 100 E 75 N, (208) 878-7473
Donnely - Tamarack Groomer Shed
Sandpoint - Forest Service Bldg. 1500 Highway 2, suite 110 (208) 263-5111
Salmon - 50 Hwy 93 South (208) 756-5100
Elk River - Elk River Community Center
Council - Forest Service Bldg. 500 E. Whitely Ave. (208) 253-0100
Pocatello - Forest Service Bldg. 4350 S Cliffs Dr. (208) 236-7500
Mackay - Forest Service Bldg. Hwy 93 (208) 588-2224
Pierce - Community Center
Preston - Robinson Building 186 West 200 North

 

Evaluate the Course!


Please share your thoughts on the course material and venue. Download the provided evaluation form and mail or fax it to: IDPR Off-Highway Vehicle Education Coordinator  at
P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0065 or fax (208)334-5232.