The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.
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The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.
For Winter 2024, SAC plans to offer Intro, Level 1, Rescue, and Level 2 avalanche classes for motorized users. New this season are the "Intro" ride days for those not ready for a Level 1, or for returning Level 1 participants looking for a single-day refresher.
SAC's motorized classes are for snowmobilers and snowbikers who ride off-trail and may expose themselves to avalanche terrain. Skiers and snowboarders who use snowmobiles for access purposes, but whose exposure to avalanches occurs primarily on skis or a snowboard, should take a class from one of the region's many non-motorized providers.
All SAC classes follow the guidelines established by the American Avalanche Association, so they are recognized throughout the U.S. and are compatible with classes offered by other educational providers. SAC classes are free to the public but require advanced registration. Classes fill very quickly, so please read all the following information carefully and be prepared to register on the date and time specified for each class. No spaces can be reserved prior to registration. There is a maximum enrollment of the following:
Participants must be 18 or older, or 16-17 with a parent or guardian also registered. To register, please download and complete the participant agreement and participant info documents in advance. Once registration opens, a link will appear at the very bottom of this page (if there are no links, there are no open classes). Follow the link to the specific class you're interested in, where you'll be prompted to enter your information and upload your completed documents. Some classes will run midweek, so check your calendar carefully before enrolling.
All classes teach the "Daily Flow" avalanche risk management process, and require participants to complete pre-course reading about it. Please give yourself several hours to complete the pre-course reading, located here. This information is best digested with small bites over the weeks between registration and the class itself. Please don't try to cram it all in the night before your class! After registration, you will be sent additional pre-course work specific to your class type.
These classes are free to the public, funded directly by SAC and not by the CA OHV Commission.
Intro ride days are single days for those not ready for a Level 1, or for returning Level 1 participants looking for a single-day refresher (repeating the Level 1 is also encouraged). The same risk management process taught in SAC's other classes will be followed, with an emphasis on identifying avalanche terrain in order to avoid it. Depending on numerous factors, these classes might not stray far from a groomed or packed trail. Two of the planned Intro days are scheduled to coincide with Lake Tahoe Snowmobilers meetup days, and the other two are on the following days and are women's-specific. Participants must:
Classes run each day from 9am-5pm. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Dates, locations, and registration times are the following:
Level 1 classes provide an introduction to recreational avalanche risk management for motorized users, by teaching a repeatable process to structure each riding day. This means that all three days include significant riding. Academic topics are covered by the pre-course reading instead of lengthy classroom sessions. These classes are free, thanks to funding from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. For details on Level 1 classes, please download the syllabus at the bottom of this page and read it completely. Participants must:
Classes run each day from 9am-5pm. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Level 1 dates, locations, and registration times are the following:
These classes are free to the public, funded directly by SAC and not by the CA OHV Commission.
Rescue classes provide avalanche rescue practice for motorized users, and can be taken every few seasons to refresh. If you've taken an Avalanche Rescue class recently, please allow some time after registration opens before you attempt to register for another class. Because avalanche avoidance skills should be prioritized over avalanche rescue skills, it is strongly recommended - but not required - that only graduates of a Level 1 register for this class (the Level 1 can be motorized or non-motorized). If riding ability prevents participation in a Level 1, the Rescue class (or "Intro" class) may be a good starting point until riding ability improves. For details on Rescue classes, please download the syllabus at the bottom of this page and read it completely. Participants must:
Field sessions run from 9am-5pm. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Avalanche Rescue dates, locations, and registration times are the following:
The Level 2 presents advanced concepts of recreational avalanche risk management for motorized users, while repeating the process taught in Level 1 classes. They are intended for those taking a leadership role in their riding groups or for those riding outside of a forecast area. The academic components build from those taught in the Level 1, primarily through pre-class work. Level 2 classes are free, thanks to funding from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. For details on Level 2 classes, please download the syllabus at the bottom of this page and read it completely. Participants must:
Classes run each day from 9am-5pm. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Level 2 dates, locations, and registration times are the following:
Please contact Travis Feist, SAC's education coordinator, with any questions.
This website is owned and maintained by the non-profit arm of the Sierra Avalanche Center. Some of the content is updated by the USDA avalanche forecasters including the forecasts and some observational data. The USDA is not responsible for any advertising, fund-raising events/information, or sponsorship information, or other content not related to the forecasts and the data pertaining to the forecasts.