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Kris Haskins Staff Webpage |
Rainier - Snow School |
| April 18th, 2009 |
The time was upon us again for our Annual snow school where we teach people some basic glacier travel skills. This year, there was a huge interest, and we actually had to turn people away because we didn't have enough experienced people. The planning for the trip was handled (masterfully I might add) by Jim. On Friday, we set up the car list and everyone was there pretty much on time at the Burke. We all made the drive down to Rainier, and regrouped at the Paradise parking area
Gearing up at the Lot
After a quick bit of info at the parking lot about checking Avy conditions, and making sure to apply sunscreen, we were off up the boot pack to find a suitable place to practice self arrest and crevasse rescue techniques
The short slog up to our practice area
We quickly found a good area, and set down all of our packs. Jim gathered everyone around and talked about how to properly hold and use an axe, as well as some footwork techniques for climbing on steeper snow. After that, we led them up the hill.
Jim Teaching
Going up the arrest practice hill
At the top of the hill, we split off into two groups. The first group had people with some experience, and the second group was people with no experience. I went with the no experience group(which included Mel). We had them drop down into arrest position and showed them the proper way to arrest a fall on flat ground before sending them to the slope. After making sure everyone had the right idea, we headed over to the slope for some practice. Unfortunately, the snow was way too soft, and the axes really didn't have any bite. However, successfully arrests were made by digging in the knees a bit during the slide.
Learning how to arrest
Sliding down the hill
After the arrest practice, we had a break for lunch. We all gathered around and had some food. Sarah had made brownies, and shared with the group. Thanks Sarah! Next up was a demonstration on setting up anchors and a z-pulley system by Jim, Brian, and Obadiah.
Lunch
Jim building an anchor
Obadiah in "Peril"
After the Demo, we broke off into our assigned groups and practiced rescuing someone from a crevasse. It was a 3:1 student teacher ratio, and everyone was able to do all 3 roles (victim, person holding the fall, and person setting up the rescue system). After that, some people decided to practice the 2 person rope team scenario while others relaxed a bit before we headed back down to the cars. At the cars, some people left and others practiced prussiking up a rope. I was in a group that left, so I'm not sure how that went.
2 Person practice
It was an absolutely gorgeous day for being out on the snow, and I had a great time teaching people. A HUGE thanks goes out to Jim for arranging this trip. His mountain Karma should be going through the roof right now.