Colorado Avalanche Information Center

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Resources

Below you will find a list of resources and links to avalanche safety content. There are sections for:

  • How to find avalanche training courses
  • How to use the avalanche forecast
  • Online resources for avalanche education
  • How to request avalanche safety brochures and signs
  • Forecast centers throughout the world

This is not a comprehensive list of all available avalanche safety resources but is rather intended to provide useful starting points in pursuit of educating yourself on avalanche safety.

How to Find Avalanche Training Courses

Find an Avalanche Class

There are numerous avalanche course providers in Colorado and throughout the U.S. The below links will allow you to search for course offerings in your area:

CAIC Class Calendar
American Avalanche Association
American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE)

Request an Avalanche Class

Know Before You Go (KBYG) is a free avalanche awareness program. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these courses will be offered as pre-recorded videos, or virtually. You can request a KBYG presentation here:
Request a live virtual KBYG presentation
Request a pre-recorded non-motorized KBYG
Request a pre-recorded motorized KBYG

KBYG to Work provides proper training to help keep those working in avalanche terrain safe. Thousands of people work in and around avalanche terrain throughout the United States from mining, utility services, and road maintenance to other industrial applications. To request a KBYG to Work training contact us.

How to Use the Avalanche Forecast

The avalanche forecast is made up of several components, and relies on the North American Avalanche Danger Scale to communicate avalanche hazard. The links below will take you to tutorials on these key elements.

North American Avalanche Danger Scale

NAC Introduction to North American Avalanche Danger Scale video

Avalanche Problems

There are different kinds of avalanches, and each has different considerations and associated risks. The links below will help you learn more about these avalanches as they are presented in the avalanche forecast.

  • National Avalanche Center Avalanche Problems Explained video
  • CAIC avalanche problem page
  • Avalanche Canada avalanche problem types tutorial

AIARE Avalanche problem videos:

  • Persistent and Deep Persistent Slab avalanches
  • Storm Slab avalanches
  • Wind Slab avalanches
  • Loose Wet avalanches
  • Wet Slab avalanches
  • Cornices

Online Resources for Avalanche Education

Below is a list of avalanche awareness topics and online resources and classes. They range from short video clips to more in depth online learning platforms.

General Avalanche Awareness:

Know Before You Go (KBYG) Video
KBYG e-learning module
National Avalanche Center (NAC) Online tutorial
Avalanche Canada online tutorial
AIARE 1 online avalanche module

Things to Look for in the Field (aka Red Flags)

Teton Gravity video
Utah Avalanche Center video

Overview of Avalanche terrain

Throttle Decisions terrain video

Introduction to the Seasonal Snowpack

Throttle Decisions snowpack video

Avalanche Rescue

AIARE avalanche rescue online module
How to practice an avalanche rescue, non-motorized travel
How to practice an avalanche rescue, motorized travel

Request Avalanche Safety Signs or brochures

We have a variety of avalanche safety signs and brochures available for different locations and applications.

For the following brochures, posters, or signs please contact us:

  • Avalanche safety brochures- these are short handouts that cover basic avalanche safety.
  • Avalanche Awareness Poster – Designed for Backcountry Huts, but used for other applications.
  • Avalanche safety trailhead signs- for backcountry access locations.

There are two types of beacons checker signs, one powered by Backcountry Access electronics, and one powered by Ortovox electronics.

  • For a Backcountry Access-powered sign visit: https://areyoubeeping.org/caic/
  • For an Ortovox-powered sign contact please contact Brian Lundstedt at the Colorado Snowmobile Association.

Forecast Centers

To find avalanche forecast centers in locations throughout the world:

  • US forecast centers
  • Avalanche Canada
  • European Avalanche Warning Services
  • New Zealand Avalanche Centre
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  • Forecasts
    • Backcountry Avalanche
      • Steamboat & Flat Tops
      • Front Range
      • Vail & Summit County
      • Sawatch
      • Aspen
      • Gunnison
      • Grand Mesa
      • North San Juan
      • South San Juan
      • Sangre de Cristo
    • Weather
      • Zone Weather Forecast
      • Model Forecasts
      • Point Forecasts
    • Watches and Warnings
    • Radio Recordings
    • Help
      • Social Media
      • Using CAIC Products
      • Forecast Zones
      • Avalanche Danger
      • Avalanche Problems
      • Avalanche Coding
      • Weather Observation Coding
  • Observations
    • Submit Observation
    • Field Reports
    • Avalanches
    • Weather
    • Weather Stations
    • Media Gallery
  • Accidents
    • Colorado
    • US
    • Statistics and Reporting
  • Education
    • Education and KBYG Calendar
    • Know Before You Go
      • KBYG Class Request
      • KBYG Instructor Information
    • Know Before You Go to Work
    • CAIC Programs
    • Resources
    • Blog
  • About the CAIC
    • About the CAIC
    • CAIC Staff
    • Annual Reports
    • Event Calendar
    • Site Map
  • Friends of CAIC
    • Join / Donate
      • Join
      • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • The Forecast Pledge
    • Online Store
    • About the Friends of the CAIC
    • Friends of CAIC Staff
    • Friends of CAIC Mobile App
    • Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Friends of CAIC Email Sign Up
    • Annual Reports
  • Sponsors
  • Google PlusFacebookTwitter