Winter Storm = Great skiing & high avalanche hazard

The EOU campus is blanketed in new snow that continues to fall. The Elkhorn Mountains (including Anthony Lakes Ski Area) and the Wallowa Mountains (including the Eagle Cap Wilderness) are also getting slammed with snow. The signifigant amounts of new snow makes for great skiing, horrible driving and high avalanche hazard. Use caution when travelling in the backcountry. Check out this SPECIAL BULLITEN from the Wallowa Avalanche Center about the recent snowfall and the current snowpack condition.

Backcounty Skiing at Anthony Lakes

Despite the dry snow year (so far...) there are great backcountry touring conditions in Northeastern Oregon and good turns can still be found. Last week while preparing for an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche course (Jan. 20-22) we found some soft snow in the upper Angel Basin area by Anthony Lakes Ski Area.

Winter at Eastern Oregon University!

Winter has come to northeastern Oregon and to Eastern Oregon University. The season started with a bang in November with early snowfall, followed by an exceptionally dry December. Snowfall late in December has boosted the mountain snowpack, but we are still at below average snow depth.

The good news is that during the break we have been out in the mountains, ice climbing, backcountry and nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. Winter is a great time to be outdoors in eastern Oregon and the Outdoor Program has a full slate of events set for the Winter 2012 quarter.

Upcoming events include:

Jan. 14 (Sat.) - Cross country ski day trip (Andes Prarie)

Jan 17-21 - Winter Wellness Week

Jan. 17 (Tue.) - Snowshoeing (half-day trip)

Jan. 18 (Wed.) - Indoor Rock Climbing Competition (open to all EOU students)

Jan. 19 (Thu.) - Backcountry Film Festival & Avalanche Awareness Presentation
Jan. 20 (Fri.) - Night Skiing at Spout Springs (FREE bus from EOU) 

Jan. 20-22 - AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course

Feb. 3-5 - Winter Backcountry Travel (INTACT course)

Feb. 4 - Snowshoeing day-trip (Andes Prairie)

Feb. 11 - Valentour Nordic Skiing day-trip

March 2-4 - Intro to Backcountry Skiing (INTACT Course)

In addition to these events we will be planning an overnight snowshoeing trip in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, an ice climbing clinic, and multiple opportunities for backcountry skiing/snowboarding.

If you are looking to take a class for credit, check out our course offerings through the Physical Education and Sport section on Webster. Classes include: downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, advanced skiing and advanced snowboarding.

Free Avalanche Awareness Presentation

Planning on snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing this winter? If you travel in hilly or mountainous, snow covered terrain, this presentation is designed to help you make more informed, safer decisions.

Tonight at 7pm in Badgley Hall Room 146 the EOU Outdoor Program, in partnership with the Wallowa Avalanche Center presents a free 1.5 hour clinic which focuses on the fundamentals of traveling safely in the winter environment where avalanche hazards exist.  The presentation addresses avalanche hazard awareness, tour planning, familiarity with avalanche center bulletins, basic equipment considerations, and the need for skill in companion rescue.

Mike Hatch, a Sawtooth Mountain Guide and new resident of Wallowa County, will be delivering the presentation. Mike is a native of Idaho and has had a life-long passion for adventuring in mountains, deserts and rivers throughout the western US. Mike's passion for the winter backcountry has lead him to explore countless ski lines throughout the Sawtooths and Central Idaho Mountains. He is an American Avalanche Association Professional Member, Avalanche Level 3, and holds a BS degree in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana.

EOU Students - Get credit for riding the snow!

Want to get credit for skiing or snowboarding?

This Winter 2012 there will be 5 ski/snowboard courses offered for credit through Physical Education & Sport. The course descriptions are listed below and classes are posted on Webster.

Questions about these classes can be directed to Jerry Isaak at gisaak@eou.edu. Register today to guarantee a spot in the course

Alpine Skiing – PES 180 (Section 101)
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Alpine Skiing – PES 180 (Section 102)
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
(Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 possible make-up day Feb. 5)
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Cross-country Skiing – PES 180 (Section 101)
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in cross-country skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Trail Pass $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived). Transportation is also available.


Cross-country Skiing – PES 180 (Section 102)
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in cross-country skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Trail Pass $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).


Snowboarding– PES 180
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).


Snowboarding– PES 180
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).


Advanced Alpine Skiing – PES 180
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep skiing, powder skiing and introduction to backcountry skiing. Pre-requisites: Students must be able to ski black diamond runs.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Advanced Alpine Skiing – PES 180
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep skiing, powder skiing and introduction to backcountry skiing. Pre-requisites: Students must be able to ski black diamond runs.  
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM. Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived). Transportation is also available.

Advanced Snowboarding – PES 180 (Section 101)
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Description: Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep riding,  powder and deep snow and an introduction to backcountry snowboarding. Pre-requisites: Students must be able to snowboard down black diamond runs.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Advanced Snowboarding – PES 180
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Description: Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep riding,  powder and deep snow and an introduction to backcountry snowboarding.
Pre-requisites: Students must be able to snowboard down black diamond runs.
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM. Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived). Transportation is also available.

Snow Safety Scholarships

EOU Outdoor Program Snow Safety Scholarships

The EOU Outdoor Program will be providing two EOU students with sponsored places in the upcoming AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Safety Course. The course will be based from EOU and will take place on Jan. 20-22. Click here to link to more information about the course.

The Outdoor Program Snow Safety Scholarships ($200 value) will be awarded to two EOU students, based on a written applications, answering the following questions:

Name:
Email:
Major:

1. Why do you want to take this course?
2. How will you use the knowledge gained from this course to benefit the EOU student community?

All EOU students are invited to apply, however, preference will be given to students that plan on continuing their studies at EOU next year.

Completed applications should be sent to gisaak@eou.edu.

AIARE Level 1 course registration opens

Registration is now open for the AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Training Course, hosted by the EOU Outdoor Program.

AIARE Level 1: Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain

Course Dates: January 20-22, 2012 (based at EOU) 

The course is open to EOU students/faculty/staff and community members. Space is limited to 12 participants.

Cost: EOU Students – $200, Community Members: $250

Call 541-962-3621 or email gisaak@eou.edu to register. Full payment must be received to guarantee a spot on the course.

The classes will meet at 8am (Friday) or (9am) Sat/Sun. and continue, with a lunch break, to approximately 5pm.

The level one is a 3 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:

• Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
• Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
• Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
• Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.

Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.

Student learning outcomes.

At the end of the Level One course the student should be able to:

• Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
• Recognize avalanche terrain.
• Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
• Learn and apply effective companion rescue.

Instructional sessions ( 24 hours including both class and field instruction) :

1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

• Types and characteristics of avalanches
• Avalanche motion
• Size classification
• The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

2. Observations and Information Gathering

• Field observation techniques
• Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
• Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
• Observation checklist
• Avalanche danger scale

3. Trip Planning and Preparation

• Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
• Route finding and travel techniques
• Decision making and Human Factors

4. Companion Rescue and Equipment
Student Prerequisites :
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain. There are no other prerequisites.

For more avalanche information go to the Wallowa Avalanche Center webpage at http://www.wallowaavalanchecenter.org/