On Sunday, January 10th, the Summit County Rescue Group held
its first free public avalanche rescue clinic for this season. The
clinic, which was held at the Meadow Creek trailhead in Frisco,
attracted 50 attendees.
Participants in the clinic rotated in groups through four
stations: a beacon practice station, a shovel and probe technique
station, and two full-on avalanche rescue scenarios in which
dummies were buried, some with beacons and some without. Because
there were more than ten rescue group members in attendance to help
out, instructors were able to accommodate participants of any
experience level, from rookies to experienced backcountry
recreationalists.
Colin Dinsmore, a rescue group member who leads the clinics,
commented, "There have been many avalanches in Colorado so far this
season that involved companion rescue with not a single fatality.
People seem to be more interested in taking avalanche classes this
year, and with good reason."
The next clinic is scheduled for Sunday, February 7th. To
register or to ask questions, email summitavyrescue@gmail.com.
Photo by Shari Topping.
