Avalanche awareness training

Avalanche awareness training offered Dec. 1

Contact: Michael Hatch | Outdoor Adventure Program
541-962-3621 | mhatch@eou.edu

November 24, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Eastern Oregon University’s Outdoor Adventure Program, in partnership with the Wallowa Avalanche Center, is presenting a free clinic on the fundamentals of traveling safely in a winter environment where avalanche hazards exist.

Michael Hatch, Outdoor Adventure Program coordinator, is leading the avalanche awareness training from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 in the Zabel Hall Auditorium on campus.

Hatch will cover avalanche hazard awareness, tour planning and familiarity with avalanche center advisories, basic equipment considerations and the need for skill in companion rescue.

Attendees will learn how to identify and plan for travel in avalanche terrain, the basic requirements for an avalanche, including warning signs that the snow is unstable, and how to use information from an avalanche center.

“This presentation is packed with information aimed at anyone who is serious about winter recreation,” Hatch explained. “Snowmobile riders and backcountry skiers are especially encouraged to attend, because it’s a great opportunity to learn how to identify unstable conditions and increase your margin of safety in the backcountry this winter.”

For more information contact Hatch at 541-962-3621, mhatch@eou.edu or visit eou.edu/outdoor.