2023 Citizens’ Search Clinics

TBCA, in partnership with Yöstmark Backcountry Tours, is pleased to offer a series of search clinics at the TBCA Coal Creek Beacon Park west of Teton Pass. The clinics will be held on January 18 and 24, with the third date TBA. A contribution of $20 per clinic is requested. 

The clinics are NOT intended to replace a full avalanche training course, but to provide affordable/accessible opportunities for individuals to brush up on their beacon search and rescue skills. Courses will be capped at 20 participants maximum and online registration is available on a first-come first-serve basis. Please bring your own avalanche equipment (beacon, probe, shovel, etc.) for all courses.

The clinic descriptions below provide details on the offerings. To register, send an email to info@tetonbackcountryalliance.org with your name, address, phone number, and email address, and be sure to include which course you are registering for. Please make a donation here.

Course 1: Introduction to Avalanche Rescue Date/Time: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 2:30-5pm Location: Coal Creek Beacon Park – Coal Creek Trailhead along WY-22 Instructor: Brian Johnson of Yöstmark Backcountry Tours Description: This course material will consist of the rescue portion of the Level I Avalanche Training. This course focuses on topics such as:

• Understand and demonstrate priorities & actions to take if involved an avalanche (as a victim responder)
• Demonstrate effective application of search techniques by leading or participating in companion rescue of one burial within specified times and search areas.
• Understand and demonstrate methods and strategies used in locating burials without beacons.
• Describe likely medical issues to anticipate once buried victims are excavated.

*No previous avalanche training is required for this course.

Course 2: Multiple burials and Search Strategies Date/Time: Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 2:30-5pm Location: Coal Creek Beacon Park – Coal Creek Trailhead along WY-22 Instructor: Jen Reddy of Teton County Search and Rescue, American Avalanche Institute, and Teton Backcountry Alliance Description: This course material will include topics such as varied victims and multiple burial search strategy. The Coal Creek Beacon Park allows for up to five beacon signal transmissions, which will provide an opportunity to practice searching in a complex situation.

*Previous avalanche training is recommended for this course (or attendance at Course 1).

Course 3: Managing a Rescue Date/Time: Wednesday, February 1, 2021, 2:30-5pm Location: Coal Creek Beacon Park – Coal Creek Trailhead along WY-22 Instructor: Luke LeMarie of Yöstmark Backcountry Tours Description: How to run a complex rescue.

*Previous avalanche training is recommended for this course (or attendance at Course 1 & 2).

Details:

• Courses will be capped at 20 people maximum.
• A contact phone number and email address are required for registration.
• A contribution of $20 per clinic is requested
• Personal equipment (beacon, shovel and probe) is required for all three courses. A full list of required gear will be sent out to those registered prior to the course date.

The Coal Creek parking lot can be congested. We highly recommend that individuals find ways to carpool from either Wilson or Victor. Stay tuned for information about other possible training sessions.