TBSPedia - User contributions [en]

Patrol Reminder

2017-12-01T17:35:30Z

GregMarsden:

%% COMMENT Automatically becomes the Patrol Reminder. Lines which begin with two # characters are MACROS %%

Dear Patrollers,
You are scheduled to patrol on the following dates. Meeting time is usually 08:15
at the TBSP Shed, Tahoe Truckee Airport, but you are encouraged to contact your
fellow patrollers early to start making a plan for the weekend. Use the handy email
aliases below, or contact thisweek@tbsp.org

The thisweek@tbsp.org is subscribed to Sierra Avalanche Center
reports for the Tahoe basin. This means that for the week leading up to your patrol,
you will receive SAC reports, even if you're not personally subscribed the list.
Be safe! This is a safety and best practices thing, so please don't try and unsubscribe.
(Unsubscribing wont work anyway...) Mail will only arrive while you are scheduled to patrol!

== Scheduled Patrols ==
Your Mountain Manager contact details:
%% MMINFO %%

%% SCHEDULE %%

== Patroller Instructions ==

PATROL REPORTS:
Use the above link to start your patrol report **before** you start your patrol!
We ask you to start your patrol report prior to patrolling so you have a chance
to document your patrol-plan so we have an accurate roster and location plan for
each patrol in the field.

PATROL GEAR:
Patrol gear is stored at the TBSP Shed at the Tahoe-Truckee Airport.
Please contact Pete Beaupre if you need directions/access information
for the new shed.

DROPPING DAYS:
If you cannot patrol, you must find a replacement and contact your mountain
manager. You can drop patrol days on the web site until 24 hours before your
patrol. If you must cancel within 24 hours, you must call your Mountain Manager.

MOUNTAIN MANAGER INSTRUCTIONS:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/Mountain_Manager - Your responsibilities as Mountain Manager.
Please review the open patrol reports at http://beacon.tbsp.org/patrolreports and
sign-off and complete the reports submitted by your patrol leaders.
Thanks for serving as Mountain Manager!

STAY UP TO DATE: Have any operational updates? Add them to this weekly reminder by visiting:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/index.php?title=Patrol_Reminder

See you on the hill!

TBSP Operations
operations@tbsp.org
http://beacon.tbsp.org

Patrol Reminder

2017-01-22T23:45:56Z

GregMarsden:

%% COMMENT Automatically becomes the Patrol Reminder. Lines which begin with two # characters are MACROS %%

Dear Patrollers,
You are scheduled to patrol on the following dates. Meeting time is usually 08:15
at the TBSP Shed, Tahoe Truckee Airport, but you are encouraged to contact your
fellow patrollers early to start making a plan for the weekend. Use the handy email
aliases below, or contact thisweek@tbsp.org

== Scheduled Patrols ==
Your Mountain Manager contact details:
%% MMINFO %%

%% SCHEDULE %%

== Patroller Instructions ==

PATROL REPORTS:
Use the above link to start your patrol report **before** you start your patrol!
We ask you to start your patrol report prior to patrolling so you have a chance
to document your patrol-plan so we have an accurate roster and location plan for
each patrol in the field.

PATROL GEAR:
Patrol gear is stored at the TBSP Shed at the Tahoe-Truckee Airport.
Please contact Pete Beaupre if you need directions/access information
for the new shed.

DROPPING DAYS:
If you cannot patrol, you must find a replacement and contact your mountain
manager. You can drop patrol days on the web site until 24 hours before your
patrol. If you must cancel within 24 hours, you must call your Mountain Manager.

MOUNTAIN MANAGER INSTRUCTIONS:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/Mountain_Manager - Your responsibilities as Mountain Manager.
Please review the open patrol reports at http://beacon.tbsp.org/patrolreports and
sign-off and complete the reports submitted by your patrol leaders.
Thanks for serving as Mountain Manager!

STAY UP TO DATE: Have any operational updates? Add them to this weekly reminder by visiting:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/index.php?title=Patrol_Reminder

See you on the hill!

TBSP Operations
operations@tbsp.org
http://beacon.tbsp.org

Patrol Reminder

2017-01-18T04:12:32Z

GregMarsden: Remove outdated shed info. Add new email aliases.

%% COMMENT Automatically becomes the Patrol Reminder. Lines which begin with two # characters are MACROS %%

Dear Patrollers,
You are scheduled to patrol on the following dates. Meeting time is usually 08:15
at the TBSP Shed, Tahoe Truckee Airport, but you are encouraged to contact your
fellow patrollers early to start making a plan for the weekend. Use the handy email
aliases below, or contact thisweekend@tbsp.org

== Scheduled Patrols ==
Your Mountain Manager contact details:
%% MMINFO %%

%% SCHEDULE %%

== Patroller Instructions ==

PATROL REPORTS:
Use the above link to start your patrol report **before** you start your patrol!
We ask you to start your patrol report prior to patrolling so you have a chance
to document your patrol-plan so we have an accurate roster and location plan for
each patrol in the field.

PATROL GEAR:
Patrol gear is stored at the TBSP Shed at the Tahoe-Truckee Airport.
Please contact Pete Beaupre if you need directions/access information
for the new shed.

DROPPING DAYS:
If you cannot patrol, you must find a replacement and contact your mountain
manager. You can drop patrol days on the web site until 24 hours before your
patrol. If you must cancel within 24 hours, you must call your Mountain Manager.

MOUNTAIN MANAGER INSTRUCTIONS:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/Mountain_Manager - Your responsibilities as Mountain Manager.
Please review the open patrol reports at http://beacon.tbsp.org/patrolreports and
sign-off and complete the reports submitted by your patrol leaders.
Thanks for serving as Mountain Manager!

STAY UP TO DATE: Have any operational updates? Add them to this weekly reminder by visiting:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/index.php?title=Patrol_Reminder

See you on the hill!

TBSP Operations
operations@tbsp.org
http://beacon.tbsp.org

SKED

2015-03-04T21:06:58Z

GregMarsden: Created page with "From: Chris Haagen <cmhaagen@gmail.com> Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2015 00:27:02 -0800 Subject: MTR Instructor Workshop 2: SKEDs The SKEDs have been a topic of discussion for the past ..."

From: Chris Haagen <cmhaagen@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2015 00:27:02 -0800
Subject: MTR Instructor Workshop 2: SKEDs

The SKEDs have been a topic of discussion for the past several board meetings, and the purchase of one was approved last board meeting. Originally proposed by Mike K. and myself. Why? Here is my explanation:

"Ultimately, I think the SKED could replace our cache toboggans. We could probably store the SKED inside the cache box instead of outside, protecting it from the elements. And we could probably even equip the car caches with a SKED.

The current toboggans are damaged (Cascade) and irreplaceable (fiberglass). Plus they are heavy and difficult to maneuver. Because the SKED can be carried in a pack, I think it will be MUCH faster to retrieve it from the cache and deliver it to the incident scene. As Mike points out, the SKED is compatible and rated for helicopter hoisting. The Cascade toboggan is lift-rated as well, but the fiberglass toboggan is certainly not."

Mike was able to get one SKED donated and a second one for half price. We're using them in the MTR class now, but they will probably be officially put into service next season, with training at the Operations refresher and the OTH.

You're right; the SKED videos, literature, and web site should answer most of your questions.

I'll elaborate on Mike's answers to your questions.

1. How will the SKED hold up and assemble in cold temperatures, especially it it's been coiled up for many months? They seem to indicate that the SKED material needs to be worked a bit in cold temps in order to be assembled.

Mike, is correct; SKEDs are designed for military characteristics, so they should work well in any environment you can imagine the military operating in. From SKEDCO:

What is the temperature range?
The SKED® plastic is safe at temperatures far above the patient survivable range. It is also unbreakable beyond -120 F° without becoming brittle.

2. I saw a photo of the SKED used in conjunction with a long spineboard. Will we plan to use it when spine immobilization is required?

The SKED can be used with any long spine board, but it is not intended to provide spinal immobilization by itself. A spine board is used with in conjunction with the SKED in the same way a spine board is used in any other toboggan. There is a trivial rigging to secure the spine board to the SKED, shown in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veXDtunOJE8
This really isn't any different than using a spine board with a toboggan, except we don't really practice securing the spine board to the toboggan. I think this may be simpler.

While the SKED is easier to transport, a long spine board is not. We may want to consider adopting the Oregon Spine Splint II (OSS), also a SKEDCO product. It would be much easier to transport than a long spine board and would help us get away from dragging equipment through deep snow from the cache to the incident location.

3. OEC protocols need to be established for its use, such as what types of injuries or MOI its use is warranted and when it isn't. Perhaps it will (hopefully) work for most applications.

A SKED can and should be used any time a standard toboggan would be used. it is a direct replacement. In fact, because it is lift-rated, it is even better than the Hegg toboggan.

4. Would be interested to see how it compares to the Brooks Range sled. Is there an intent to replace the BR or just provide another (better) option for rope rescue and/or transport? Can the pt's skis be placed inside the SKED or would the metal edges damage the material?

Much bigger and heavier; they are really not comparable. The BR sled is carried by the patrol, and can be used for emergency transportation of a non-ambulatory patient without a spinal injury. It avoids a lengthy trip to a cache. The SKED is a direct replacement for the Cascade or Hegg toboggan. It is intended as a primary transport option for non-ambulatory patients with or without a spine injury. Yes, I think the patient's skis/poles could be secured to the SKED, probably on the side or top with ski straps. The material is very robust.

Here is a link to the SKED product page (note we have the upgraded Cobra buckles):
http://skedco.com/product/sked-basic-rescue-system-international-orange/

Here is a link to the SKED instructions:
https://skedco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/NEW-SKED-INSTRUCTION-Standard-Size.pdf

Here are links to several SKED training videos:
http://skedco.com/skedco-videos/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA9Bxo0MEmE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veXDtunOJE8

Hut Patrols

2015-01-16T19:32:02Z

GregMarsden: Created page with "'''DRAFT''' --~~~~ == Hut Patrols == TBSP is now partnering with the Sierra Club to do overnight patrols to popular huts along the Sierra Crest! If you're lucky enough to g..."

'''DRAFT''' --[[User:GregMarsden|GregMarsden]] ([[User talk:GregMarsden|talk]]) 11:32, 16 January 2015 (PST)

== Hut Patrols ==

TBSP is now partnering with the Sierra Club to do overnight patrols to popular huts along the Sierra Crest! If you're lucky enough to get one, here's what you need to know:

# Many huts have a community stove. If your hut has one, donate a green Coleman propane bottle to it! Recycle any empty bottles you find. The wood stove will not work well for cooking.
# Pack out extra trash from the hut if there is any! Pack out any leftover perishables left by others in the emergency food cabinets.
# During low snow conditions, consider bringing a water filter/purifier to filter snow which is melted for drinking water. Probably not necessary with fresh snow, but when the white stuff is a couple months old, not a bad idea.
# Bring sleeping pad (some old huts used to provide pads but the mice used them as mouse pads..)
# Don't forget the creature comforts! Earplugs, Board Games, Slippers.
# Leave a few TBSP Recruiting Cards in the appropriate holders in the hut!

Have a great time!

Current conditions

2015-01-16T19:12:33Z

GregMarsden: /* Weather */

== Avalanche ==

;Sierra Avalanche Center - Daily Avalanche Forecast: http://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory
;Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center map:http://www.esavalanche.org/Advisories.htm
;Avalanche.org: http://www.Avalanche.org/
;AAA SWAG: Snow, Weather, and Avalanches Observational Guidelines; http://americanavalancheassociation.org/pub_swag.php
;CSAC: http://www.avalanche-center.org/

== Roads and Traffic ==
;Lake Tahoe road conditions: http://www.skialpine.com/mountain/lake-tahoe-road-conditions
;NCal realtime traffic: http://www.sigalert.com/Map.asp?region=Sacramento#lat=38.72413&lon=-121.45917&z=3
;I80 webcams:http://www.Magnifeye.com
;Interstate 80 Conditions:http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/i80
;CHP Traffic Incidents, Truckee:http://cad.chp.ca.gov/?centerin=TKCC&submit=Go!
;CalTrans Mountain Pass Closures:http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/clsdlst.htm
;511.org Traffic real-time:http://traffic.511.org/sfgate/
;Caltrans Live Traffic Cams:http://video.dot.ca.gov/
;Lassen roads:http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/current_conditions.htm#CP_JUMP_138964

== Weather ==
;Mountain Weather Forecast: http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Castle-Peak-California/forecasts/2000

;Open Snow discussion: http://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe

;Open Snow weather maps and resort stats: http://www.opensnow.com/about/tahoeinfo

;NorCal 6 day forecast, by 12-hour increments:http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/static/ncal/6days

;QPF 5 DAY FORECAST:
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/24hrqpfall.html

;NOAA Weather, Castle Valley:http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.35447606884594&lon=-120.3548812866211&site=sto&smap=1&marine=0&unit=0&lg=en

;UNISYS NorthWest Hemisphere InfaRed Satellite map:http://weather.unisys.com/satellite/sat_ir_enh_hem_loop-12.html

;NOAA RADAR, Reno, NV; Base reflectiviy Loop: http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=RGX&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=yes

;6 day SNOW-FORECAST.COM for Sugarbowl mid-mountain 7634 ft. Shows freezing levels and wind: http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Sugar-Bowl/6day/mid

;NOAA Reno AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecasts/display_special_product_versions.php?sid=rev&pil=afd

== Snowpack/Weather Historical Measurements ==
; Wunderground snowpack summary; http://www.wunderground.com/StateSnowDepth.asp?state=CA&MR=1:
;Sierra Crest (Squaw Summit 8700') NWS reporting station; http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/remotedata/screst.php:
;Observed last 24 hour precipitation; http://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/precipMaps.php?group=ns&hour=24&synoptic=0:
;Overview, by California Cooperative Snow Surveys; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/snow/current/snow/:
;Daily Snow Sensor Report, sorted by River Basin. Shows latest 24-hour accumulation and Elevation; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snowsurvey_sno/PAGE6:

;CHART Current YTD Precipitation vs. Historical for Northern Sierra: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/precip/PLOT_ESI

;'''FAVORITE PLOTS (N to S)''':
;Ward Mtn (Alpine Meadows); http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/remotedata/ward.php
;Slide Mtn (Mt. Rose ski area - 9650'); http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/remotedata/slide.php
;Central Sierra Snow Lab (CSSL) 6,200'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?CSL&d=15-Dec-2008+15:56
;Squaw Valley Gold Coast 8,200'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?SQV
;Rubicon Peak, Lake Tahoe basin 7,500'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?RP2
;Echo Peak, 7800'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/staMeta?station_id=EP5:
;Deadman's Creek, 9250', on Hiway 108, W.of Sonora Pass; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/staMeta?station_id=DDM

Current conditions

2015-01-16T19:12:02Z

GregMarsden: /* Weather */

== Avalanche ==

;Sierra Avalanche Center - Daily Avalanche Forecast: http://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory
;Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center map:http://www.esavalanche.org/Advisories.htm
;Avalanche.org: http://www.Avalanche.org/
;AAA SWAG: Snow, Weather, and Avalanches Observational Guidelines; http://americanavalancheassociation.org/pub_swag.php
;CSAC: http://www.avalanche-center.org/

== Roads and Traffic ==
;Lake Tahoe road conditions: http://www.skialpine.com/mountain/lake-tahoe-road-conditions
;NCal realtime traffic: http://www.sigalert.com/Map.asp?region=Sacramento#lat=38.72413&lon=-121.45917&z=3
;I80 webcams:http://www.Magnifeye.com
;Interstate 80 Conditions:http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/i80
;CHP Traffic Incidents, Truckee:http://cad.chp.ca.gov/?centerin=TKCC&submit=Go!
;CalTrans Mountain Pass Closures:http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/clsdlst.htm
;511.org Traffic real-time:http://traffic.511.org/sfgate/
;Caltrans Live Traffic Cams:http://video.dot.ca.gov/
;Lassen roads:http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/current_conditions.htm#CP_JUMP_138964

== Weather ==

;Open Snow discussion: http://opensnow.com/dailysnow/tahoe

;Open Snow weather maps and resort stats: http://www.opensnow.com/about/tahoeinfo

;NorCal 6 day forecast, by 12-hour increments:http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/static/ncal/6days

;QPF 5 DAY FORECAST:
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/24hrqpfall.html

;NOAA Weather, Castle Valley:http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.35447606884594&lon=-120.3548812866211&site=sto&smap=1&marine=0&unit=0&lg=en

;UNISYS NorthWest Hemisphere InfaRed Satellite map:http://weather.unisys.com/satellite/sat_ir_enh_hem_loop-12.html

;NOAA RADAR, Reno, NV; Base reflectiviy Loop: http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=RGX&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=yes

;6 day SNOW-FORECAST.COM for Sugarbowl mid-mountain 7634 ft. Shows freezing levels and wind: http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Sugar-Bowl/6day/mid

;NOAA Reno AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecasts/display_special_product_versions.php?sid=rev&pil=afd

== Snowpack/Weather Historical Measurements ==
; Wunderground snowpack summary; http://www.wunderground.com/StateSnowDepth.asp?state=CA&MR=1:
;Sierra Crest (Squaw Summit 8700') NWS reporting station; http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/remotedata/screst.php:
;Observed last 24 hour precipitation; http://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/precipMaps.php?group=ns&hour=24&synoptic=0:
;Overview, by California Cooperative Snow Surveys; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/snow/current/snow/:
;Daily Snow Sensor Report, sorted by River Basin. Shows latest 24-hour accumulation and Elevation; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snowsurvey_sno/PAGE6:

;CHART Current YTD Precipitation vs. Historical for Northern Sierra: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/precip/PLOT_ESI

;'''FAVORITE PLOTS (N to S)''':
;Ward Mtn (Alpine Meadows); http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/remotedata/ward.php
;Slide Mtn (Mt. Rose ski area - 9650'); http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/rev/remotedata/slide.php
;Central Sierra Snow Lab (CSSL) 6,200'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?CSL&d=15-Dec-2008+15:56
;Squaw Valley Gold Coast 8,200'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?SQV
;Rubicon Peak, Lake Tahoe basin 7,500'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?RP2
;Echo Peak, 7800'; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/staMeta?station_id=EP5:
;Deadman's Creek, 9250', on Hiway 108, W.of Sonora Pass; http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/staMeta?station_id=DDM

TestPage

2015-01-16T08:30:22Z

GregMarsden:

16Jan2015
+1

TestPage

2015-01-16T08:30:05Z

GregMarsden: Created page with "16Jan2015"

16Jan2015

Main Page

2015-01-14T07:25:56Z

GregMarsden: /* Training Resources */

__NOTOC__
''' Welcome to TBSPedia, the online resource for the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol and all users of the Tahoe Backcountry!'''

== Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol ==

[[Image:TBSP 2007.jpg|thumb|320px|right|TBSP Patrollers geting a briefing on helicopter protocols]]

;[[About TBSP| About Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol]]: Learn more about the patrol and our activities.
;[[Press and Media| TBSP in the News]]: News articles and press clippings about Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[PatrolManual|Patrol Manual]]:Read up on the policies and protocols of the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.

== Joining the Patrol ==
;[[TBSP Introduction| Join the Patrol]]: Introduction to the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol! Instructions for prospective candidates.
;[[SkiAlong|Ski-Along]]: Schedule an on-the-snow introduction to backcountry patrolling.
<videoflash>qG472-hUi84</videoflash>

== Training Resources ==
;[[Video Training]]: Training Videos for and about TBSP
;[[Avalanche Related Resources]]: Links for our Avalanche course students.

== Resources for the Backcountry ==
;[[Current conditions]]: Links for up to date weather, traffic and avalanche information.
;[[Miscellaneous]]: Links for physical conditioning, tree-well immersion, etc.
;[[PGH_Route|Simple GPS route to Peter Grubb Hut]]: http://wiki.tbsp.org/PGH_Route

== Information for Patrollers ==
;[[Search And Rescue]]: Information and Signup Instructions for the Search and Rescue Team.
;[[Operations - things to fix]]: Bulletin board for posting items needing attention, or volunteering to fix it!.
;[[Senior Program]]: Information on how and why to become a Senior Patroller in TBSP.

Avalanche Related Resources

2015-01-14T07:24:19Z

GregMarsden:

== Avalanche Basics and Nomenclature ==
;Avalanche Safety Tutorial (American Avalanche Association: http://avalanche.org/tutorial/tutorial.html
;Avalanche Encyclopedia (National Avalanche Center): http://www.fsavalanche.org/encyclopedia/
;How to Read an Avalanche Advisory (Sierra Avalanche Center): http://sierraavalanchecenter.org/how-to-read-avalanche-advisory

== Stability Test Videos ==
;Where to Dig a Snowpit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7n4S1U7ybM
;Compression Test Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF-NEUfZP1U#t=47
;Extended Column Test: http://utahavalanchecenter.org/how-do-extended-column-test
;Propagation Saw Test: http://vimeo.com/37092331
;Shovel Shear Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Sku8uFCes

== Rescue ==
;Beacon Searching (2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_W4dbVzogw
;Beacon Searching (2009): http://www.backcountryaccess.com/2009/11/03/bcas-slam-dunk-video-instruction-series-part-1-beacon-searching/
;Proper Probing Technique: http://www.backcountryaccess.com/2009/11/08/bcas-slam-dunk-video-series-part-2-probing/
;Strategic Shoveling: http://www.backcountryaccess.com/2009/11/11/bca-video-training-series-part-3-strategic-shoveling/
;Transceiver Reviews: http://beaconreviews.com/transceivers/
;Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) Safety: http://www.deepsnowsafety.org/index.php/

== On-line Tools and Exercises ==
;Topography Map With Slope Angle Shading (CalTopo): http://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=39.35607,-120.33959&z=16&b=sat&o=t&n=0.32&a=c,sg/
;CalTopo Tutorial: http://caltopo.com/about.html
;Slope Angle Maps: http://www.slopeanglemaps.com/
;Slope Angle Shaded Maps of Resort Areas: http://3dskimaps.com/
;Route-Finding Exercise: http://www.avalanche.net.nz/education/Online-Avalanche-Course/Route-Finding-Exercises.asp
;Snow pit plotting software(free): http://www.snowpilot.org/
;Faceting (and other information on the physics of snow crystal formation): http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/faceting/faceting.htm

== Avalanche Archive ==
;A Dozen More Turns (Film): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7Pye9f602s
;The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek (Film): http://www.nytimes.com/video/sports/100000001957178/the-avalanche-at-tunnel-creek.html
;Dry Gulch Avalanche (December 5, 2010 Report): http://avalanche.state.co.us/caic/acc/acc_report.php?acc_id=225&accfm=inv
;Avalanche Skier POV Helmet Cam Burial & Rescue in Haines, Alaska: http://vimeo.com/6581009
;Tree Well Incident Caught on Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jvEYzh_1Sg

== Education==
;AIARE - the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Training: http://www.avtraining.org/

Maps

2013-12-19T20:42:40Z

GregMarsden:

Order folded, waterproof maps of our patrol areas from mytopo.com!

* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569685688 Castle Peak Patrol Area] map.
** We also have a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=560886BF87 Peter Grubb centered topo] as well.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569771368 Pole Creek] map.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569829E71 Tahoe Meadows] map.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?mytopoid=10510573BDB&pid=tahoeskipatrol Mt Judah] map.

=== Important waypoints ===
A spreadsheet of important waypoints (Helicopter LZ and Caches) can be found [http://docs.tbsp.org/view.php?fDocumentId=43 in document repository].

=== GPS Topo Maps ===

Do you have a Garmin GPS?

"A very detailed (20ft contours) topographic map that includes roads and water features and a few trails as well for the entire state of California. This is a release of Laura's map that allows for a MapSource install so older Garmin units can use the maps and so it can be combined with other maps." http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/28/

Several internet resources offer pre-made topographic maps of California. These maps are built from freely available USGS Hydrological and topographic surveys. This link provides 1:24000 topo maps for all of california: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/28/
Other resources for making DIY garmin maps: http://reidster.net/garmin/ and http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/Mkgmap

Maps

2013-12-19T20:38:00Z

GregMarsden:

Order folded, waterproof maps of our patrol areas from mytopo.com!

* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569685688 Castle Peak Patrol Area] map.
** We also have a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=560886BF87 Peter Grubb centered topo] as well.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569771368 Pole Creek] map.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569829E71 Tahoe Meadows] map.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?mytopoid=10510528248&pid=tahoeskipatrol Mt Judah] map.

=== Important waypoints ===
A spreadsheet of important waypoints (Helicopter LZ and Caches) can be found [http://docs.tbsp.org/view.php?fDocumentId=43 in document repository].

=== GPS Topo Maps ===

Do you have a Garmin GPS?

"A very detailed (20ft contours) topographic map that includes roads and water features and a few trails as well for the entire state of California. This is a release of Laura's map that allows for a MapSource install so older Garmin units can use the maps and so it can be combined with other maps." http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/28/

Several internet resources offer pre-made topographic maps of California. These maps are built from freely available USGS Hydrological and topographic surveys. This link provides 1:24000 topo maps for all of california: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/28/
Other resources for making DIY garmin maps: http://reidster.net/garmin/ and http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/Mkgmap

Main Page

2013-08-07T21:10:14Z

GregMarsden:

__NOTOC__
''' Welcome to TBSPedia, the online resource for the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol and all users of the Tahoe Backcountry!'''

== Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol ==

[[Image:TBSP 2007.jpg|thumb|320px|right|TBSP Patrollers geting a briefing on helicopter protocols]]

;[[About TBSP| About Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol]]: Learn more about the patrol and our activities.
;[[Press and Media| TBSP in the News]]: News articles and press clippings about Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[PatrolManual|Patrol Manual]]:Read up on the policies and protocols of the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.

== Joining the Patrol ==
;[[TBSP Introduction| Join the Patrol]]: Introduction to the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol! Instructions for prospective candidates.
;[[SkiAlong|Ski-Along]]: Schedule an on-the-snow introduction to backcountry patrolling.
<videoflash>qG472-hUi84</videoflash>

== Training Resources ==
;[[Avalanche Class Links]]: Links for our Avalanche course students.
;[[Video Training]]: Training Videos for and about TBSP
;[[Avalanche Related Resources]]: Links about avalanche stuff.

== Resources for the Backcountry ==
;[[Current conditions]]: Links for up to date weather, traffic and avalanche information.
;[[Miscellaneous]]: Links for physical conditioning, tree-well immersion, etc.
;[[PGH_Route|Simple GPS route to Peter Grubb Hut]]: http://wiki.tbsp.org/PGH_Route

== Information for Patrollers ==
;[[Search And Rescue]]: Information and Signup Instructions for the Search and Rescue Team.
;[[Boreal Patrol]]: Instructions for your Boreal day.
;[[Hobart Chalet]]: Chalet instructions for this year.
;[[Operations - things to fix]]: Bulletin board for posting items needing attention, or volunteering to fix it!.
;[[Senior Program]]: Information on how and why to become a Senior Patroller in TBSP.

MediaWiki:Sidebar

2013-01-25T23:45:58Z

GregMarsden: Remove docs.tbsp.org

Patrol Reminder

2013-01-02T19:41:35Z

GregMarsden:

%% COMMENT Automatically becomes the Patrol Reminder. Lines which begin with two # characters are MACROS %%

Dear Patrollers,
You are scheduled to patrol on the following dates.

== Hobart Work Center is Closed ==
The Forest Service wants to charge us nearly $2,000 to use Hobart this season to help pay for the heat. This has always been in our agreement but they've never charged us and the amount is much more than anticipated. I'm working with them to find a solution but in the mean time we are not setting up Hobart. I have all of the regular patrol gear at my house so patrols should come to my place- 10368 Jeffrey Way Truckee to pick up and drop off gear. I also have a spare bedroom if you need a place to stay (email me for details)

== Patrol Days ==
If you do sign up and are unable to make it you need to find a replacement. Only if it's an emergency or the day already has 5+ patrollers and you immediately sign up for a day with 1 or 2 patrollers are you allowed to drop a day and not find a replacement.

== Scheduled Patrols ==
Your Mountain Manager contact details:
%% MMINFO %%

%% SCHEDULE %%

== Patroller Instructions ==

DROPPING DAYS:
If you cannot patrol, you must find a replacement and contact your mountain
manager. You can drop patrol days on the web site until 24 hours before your
patrol. If you must cancel within 24 hours, you must call the Chalet and leave
a message at 530-587-3244.

BOREAL PATROLLERS: Read this for important updates: http://wiki.tbsp.org/Boreal_Patrol

MOUNTAIN MANAGER INSTRUCTIONS:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/Mountain_Manager - Your responsibilities as Mountain Manager.
1. Print out the attendance roster from http://beacon.tbsp.org/managers/view
2. You are responsible for the quality of your Patrol Reports,
please review before signing off.
3. FILE YOUR PATROL REPORTS ONLINE. Your patrollers will NOT get credit for
their days patrolled until your Manager Report is submitted online!
Thanks for serving as Mountain Manager!

STAY UP TO DATE: Have any operational updates? Add them to this weekly reminder by visiting:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/index.php?title=Patrol_Reminder

See you on the hill!

TBSP Operations
operations@tbsp.org
http://beacon.tbsp.org

Main Page

2012-12-21T20:35:20Z

GregMarsden:

__NOTOC__
''' Welcome to TBSPedia, the online resource for the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol and all users of the Tahoe Backcountry!'''

== Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol ==

[[Image:TBSP 2007.jpg|thumb|320px|right|TBSP Patrollers geting a briefing on helicopter protocols]]

;[[About TBSP| About Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol]]: Learn more about the patrol and our activities.
;[[Press and Media| TBSP in the News]]: News articles and press clippings about Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[PatrolManual|Patrol Manual]]:Read up on the policies and protocols of the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.

== Joining the Patrol ==
;[[TBSP Introduction| Join the Patrol]]: Introduction to the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol! Instructions for prospective candidates.
;[[SkiAlong|Ski-Along]]: Schedule an on-the-snow introduction to backcountry patrolling.

== Training Resources ==
;[[Avalanche Class Links]]: Links for our Avalanche course students.
;[[Video Training]]: Training Videos for and about TBSP
;[[Avalanche Related Resources]]: Links about avalanche stuff.

== Resources for the Backcountry ==
;[[Current conditions]]: Links for up to date weather, traffic and avalanche information.
;[[Miscellaneous]]: Links for physical conditioning, tree-well immersion, etc.
;[[PGH_Route|Simple GPS route to Peter Grubb Hut]]: http://wiki.tbsp.org/PGH_Route

== About the Patrol==
A short slideshow about TBSP Patrols and Search and Rescue!
<videoflash>jgx0w4yJiL4</videoflash>

== Information for Patrollers ==
;[[Search And Rescue]]: Information and Signup Instructions for the Search and Rescue Team.
;[[Boreal Patrol]]: Instructions for your Boreal day.
;[[Hobart Chalet]]: Chalet instructions for this year.
;[[Operations - things to fix]]: Bulletin board for posting items needing attention, or volunteering to fix it!.
;[[Senior Program]]: Information on how and why to become a Senior Patroller in TBSP.

Main Page

2012-12-21T20:32:57Z

GregMarsden:

__NOTOC__
''' Welcome to TBSPedia, the online resource for the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol and all users of the Tahoe Backcountry!'''

== Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol ==

[[Image:TBSP 2007.jpg|thumb|320px|right|TBSP Patrollers geting a briefing on helicopter protocols]]

;[[About TBSP| About Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol]]: Learn more about the patrol and our activities.
;[[Press and Media| TBSP in the News]]: News articles and press clippings about Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[PatrolManual|Patrol Manual]]:Read up on the policies and protocols of the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.

== Joining the Patrol ==
;[[TBSP Introduction| Join the Patrol]]: Introduction to the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol! Instructions for prospective candidates.
;[[SkiAlong|Ski-Along]]: Schedule an on-the-snow introduction to backcountry patrolling.

== Training Resources ==
;[[Avalanche Class Links]]: Links for our Avalanche course students.
;[[Video Training]]: Training Videos for and about TBSP

== Resources for Skiers ==
;[[Current conditions]]: Links for up to date weather, traffic and avalanche information.
;[[Miscellaneous]]: Links for physical conditioning, tree-well immersion, etc.
;[[PGH_Route|Simple GPS route to Peter Grubb Hut]]: http://wiki.tbsp.org/PGH_Route

== About the Patrol==
A short slideshow about TBSP Patrols and Search and Rescue!
<videoflash>jgx0w4yJiL4</videoflash>

== Information for Patrollers ==
;[[Search And Rescue]]: Information and Signup Instructions for the Search and Rescue Team.
;[[Boreal Patrol]]: Instructions for your Boreal day.
;[[Hobart Chalet]]: Chalet instructions for this year.
;[[Avalanche Related Resources]]: Links about avalanche stuff.
;[[Operations - things to fix]]: Bulletin board for posting items needing attention, or volunteering to fix it!.
;[[Senior Program]]: Information on how and why to become a Senior Patroller in TBSP.

Learn about wikis: [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Tutorial_%28Formatting%29 Quick Start instructions from wikipedia]], [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing a full tutorial on using wikis]], and [[How to upload files]].

Appendix H: Map and Compass Skills

2012-12-15T02:57:32Z

GregMarsden: /* Basis of system */

== Map and Compass Guidelines ==

=== Selecting Maps ===

TBSP recommends the following maps for patrollers. Basic map characteristics should include:
* 1:24000 scale
* Waterproof paper
* UTM and Lat/Long coordinate systems
* Large enough to include surrounding peaks (For resectioning)
* By convention, patrol maps use NAD27 CONUS

[[Maps|Order nifty waterproof maps of our patrol areas, with UTM and Lat/Long grid lines at mytopo.com.]]

=== Selecting a compass ===
A good compass with declination adjustment, sighting mirror and clinometer (Suunto MC 2G or Silva Ranger Type
15CL, aka CL515) costs $55-$70. Buy a good one. The following discussion assumes you have followed this advice.
Consequently, it does not deal with the procedures and calculations required to correct for declination if your compass
does not have a declination adjustment feature. (If you insist on using a compass without declination adjustment, these
procedures can be explained in the field, but they are confusing and difficult to remember. Don't say we didn't warn
you.)
=== Declination adjustment ===
The Magnetic North Pole lies to the south of true North Pole, which causes an error in compass readings known as
declination. The value of declination for a particular area is found on the lower left corner of all USGS maps. For our
purposes, declination of 17o east is sufficient for all maps. To adjust your compass, simply insert the small key into the
screw on the bottom of your compass and turn the screw until the mark at the rear of the orienting arrow lines up with
17o east declination. Now, unlike those who have compasses without declination adjustment, you will never have to
worry about declination again.
=== Map bearings ===
* Mark (or note) your position and destination on the map.
* Place the long side of the compass base plate on these two points so that the cover is towards your destination. If necessary, the cover of the compass or a ruler can be used as an extension of the base plate.
* Turn the bezel until the meridian lines on the compass capsule are parallel with the meridian lines on the map (or the left or right border of the map) and N on the bezel is on the north side of the capsule with reference to the map.
* The bearing from your location to your destination can now be read at the index pointer (centered luminous mark near the hinge of the compass).

To transfer this bearing to the field, simply turn your body until the needle is centered on the orienting arrow and the
colors match (red with red and black with black). [After dark, turn your body until the luminous point on the needle lies
between the luminous points on either side of the orienting arrow.] The sighting line through the mirror indicates your
direction of travel.
=== Orienting (setting) the map ===
To orient your map (only necessary when in the field), follow the same procedure described above, but leave the
compass on the map and turn the map instead of your body. Once the map is oriented, you can compare field
topographical features with those depicted on the map.
=== Taking field bearings ===
* open the cover to approximately 60o.
* place the lanyard around your neck and raise the compass to eye level while holding it level with both hands, and hold it as far from your body as possible so the lanyard is tight.
* close one eye (always close the same eye) and sight through the notch in the cover (mirror), turning your body until the landmark is precisely above the notch, AND the vertical centerline of the mirror appears to intersect the axis of the needle.
* while maintaining the above position, look into the mirror and turn the bezel until the needle is within and parallel to the orienting arrow as observed in the mirror.
* read the bearing at the index pointer (centered luminous mark near the hinge of the compass).
=== Finding your location using two or more landmarks ===
* Take a bearing on a known landmark as described above.
* to transfer this bearing to the map, place the compass on the map and open the cover wide so the long edge of the compass intersects the known landmark.
* turn the compass edge around the known landmark until the meridian lines on the capsule are parallel with the meridian lines (or the left or right border) of the map, and the N mark on the bezel is on the north side (on the map) of the capsule.
* starting from the known landmark, draw a line along the edge of the compass in the direction of your approximate location.
* repeat the process using a second landmark approximately 90o from the first landmark.
* your location is the point where the two lines intersect.
* for improved accuracy, repeat the procedure using a third landmark. A line from the third point should intersect at approximately the same point
=== Using the clinometer ===
We use the clinometer to measure slope angle, a critical indicator of avalanche propensity, and alpha angles, which
indicate whether you are in a potential avalanche run out zone:
* turn the bezel until it reads 270o at the index pointer.
* position the compass so the long edge is parallel with the surface to be measured and the base plate aligns with the vertical plane (this allows the clinometer pointer to turn freely).
* open the compass cover to approximately 30o.
* steady the compass with both hands and sight along the top edge of the base plate. Looking into the mirror,
read the angle indicated by the clinometer pointer.
== GRID COORDINATE SYSTEMS ==
Patrollers must know how to determine their location on a USGS or Forest Service map and how to move from one
location to another using a map and compass. Patrollers also must know how to direct helicopters to a pre-determined
landing sites, and be able to use a map and compass to reach such sites.
In order to be able to express their location to various rescue personnel, patrollers must learn three systems of map
coordinates:
# Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) which is used by many search and rescue organizations,
# Public Land System (PLS), also called "Township and Range," which is used by the Forest Service; and
# geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude), which are used by rescue helicopters and other aircraft.

Coordinates for all three systems are found on every USGS map we use.
Some search and rescue organizations and air medical services use computer software to convert among various
coordinate systems, but not all organizations have software or personnel capable of converting among all three systems.
Consequently, we must be able to express our location in all three grid coordinate systems.
Most map and compass training will be done in the field. Field training will concentrate on locating positions and
plotting courses using landmarks and a map and compass. We will not spend much time on grid coordinate systems in
the field. The following sections describe each of the three grid coordinate systems used to determine specific map
locations. Examples are based upon the USGS 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle map.
You should attempt to master this material before you begin field training in order to gain a more complete
understanding of this critical subject. It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you go through each system several
times and do the sample problems you should be able to master all three systems. Instructors will attempt to answer any
questions you have regarding the written material.

=== Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) ===
==== Basis of system ====
Distance is measured in meters north and south from the equator and east from a central meridian.

From the wikipedia entry for UTM: The point of origin of each UTM zone is the intersection of the equator and the zone's central meridian, but to avoid dealing with negative numbers the central meridian of each zone is set at 500,000 meters East. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Transverse_Mercator_coordinate_system

==== Map marks ====
UTM grid coordinates are the series of black numbers on the white border of the map next to the blue grid ticks. For
example, in the upper left margin of the 7.5-minute Norden Quadrangle appears the number 4361000N. The blue grid tick
to the right of this number marks a distance 4,361 kilometers (4,361,000 meters) north of the equator. In the left end of
the top margin of the map, just below the words "GEOLOGICAL SURVEY" is the number 727000E. The blue grid tick
to the left of this number marks a distance 727 kilometers (727,000 meters) east of the principal meridian. Other similar
numbers on the map eliminate the 000m and express the distance only in kilometers.
==== Using the map marks to describe a location ====
Forget all of the superscript numbers. Henceforth, 4361000N will be referred to as 61, and 728 as 28. To learn how to
describe your location, let's use an example from the Norden 7.5 minute map:
* locate the summit of Donner Peak in the middle of your Norden 7.5 minute map.
* draw an imaginary north-south line from your position to the top or bottom margin of the map, and note the blue UTM grid tick numbers on either side of the point where your imaginary line intersects the map margin. The numbers should be 31 and 32. [Note that while the blue grid ticks are always present, often the numbers are missing and you have to extrapolate them from nearby grid tick references. For example, at the bottom of the map, the reference to 32 is missing, and at the top, the reference to 31 is missing.]
* Do the same exercise using an east-west imaginary line to the left or right margin of the map, noting the blue grid ticks above and below the point where your imaginary line intersects the map margin. You should fall between grid ticks 54 and 55.
* Now draw a line between grid tick 31 on the top and grid tick 31 on the bottom of the map. If you don't have a straight edge long enough (and you won't in the field), fold over one edge of the map and use it as a straight edge to connect the two "31" grid ticks. Be certain that the edge of the map is flat or your line will be off. Next, do the same exercise to connect grid ticks 32, 53 and 54. [We strongly suggest that for training purposes you draw the entire UTM grid on your Norden 7.5 minute map.]
* Note that the lines you have drawn have created a square box around the Donner Peak reference point. [In the future, you only have to create this "box," and it is unnecessary to draw complete lines between the grid ticks.] Notice that the lines you have drawn are not parallel to the edges of the map, but are slightly skewed. This is because the UTM grid system is not based upon True North, but your map is. From now on, you will focus on the "box" you have just created.
* within the box draw a line, parallel to the left and right sides of the box, from the summit of Donner Peak to the nearer of the top or bottom margin of the box. [In this case, the bottom margin.]
* divide the distance along the bottom margin into ten equal parts, and record where your line intersects the box margin to the nearest tenth. You should find that your line intersected the bottom margin of the box 8 tenths of the distance from grid line 31 (the left side of the box) to grid line 32 (the right side of the box), and thus you should record 318. [It is actually 31.8, but the decimal point is eliminated.] [Try using your UTM grid reader to speed this process.]
* next, draw a line, parallel to the top and bottom margins of the box, from the summit of Donner Peak to the nearer of the left or right margins of the box. [In this case, the right margin.]
* again, record where the line falls to the nearest tenth. You should find that the line intersects the right box margin 3 tenths of the distance from grid line 54 to grid line 55, and thus you should record 543.
* then simply combine the two three digit numbers into one six-digit number, giving the east-west coordinate before the north-south coordinate. In our example 318 and 543 would produce "UTM 318543 on the 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle." (Note that we reference the particular map because you might get a slightly different reading using a 15-minute map of the same area.)

PRATICE PROBLEM 1: Try determining the UTM location of the triangle marking the tablet atop Anderson Peak,
located roughly 1 3/4 inches from the bottom margin and 6 1/2 inches from the right margin. See answer 1 on last page
of this appendix.

=== Public Land System (Township and Range) ===
==== Basis of system ====
Figures 2 and 3 of this article describe the Township and Range system used by the Forest Service. Because we
patrol pursuant to volunteer agreements with the Forest Service and use their radio system, we must know how to
communicate in a language the Forest Service's radio dispatcher understands. Once you understand the basic Township
and Range system, return to this page to learn how to more precisely express a particular location using this system.
==== Map marks ====
Township, Range and Section boundaries are marked in red on USGS maps. If the line is dashed, it means its location is
approximate. Township (T.) and Range (R.) designations are found along the margins of the map wherever there is a
Township or Range boundary (as contrasted with a Section boundary). Township and Range designations also appear in
the body of the map where appropriate to mark a deviation in the boundary. Section numbers appear in red in the center
of each Section. For example, the Peter Grubb Hut is located in Section 2, T. 17 N., R. 14 E.
Using the map marks to describe a location
==== To describe a particular point within a section: ====
* find the Township and Range, and the section
* divide the Section into four equal quarters, also know as quadrants.
* subdivide the quadrant in which you are located (or wish to describe) into four sub-quadrants.
* describe the tract in which you are located in terms of the sub-quadrant, quadrants, Section, Township and Range. This method describes your location in a 40-acre tract (a quarter-mile by quarter-mile square).
* for example: the Peter Grubb Hut is located in the "Southwest 1/4, (of the) Northeast 1/4, Section 2, Township 17 North, Range 14 East." Because this is too vague a description for someone trying to find you, when dealing with the USFS, you should give this description, but also give a UTM or geographical coordinate depending on which rescue agency you expect to respond. It wouldn't hurt to give all three. Alternatively, you can measure the distance from the east or west boundary and the north or south boundary of the section, using the scale at the bottom of the map:
* use a ruler, piece of paper or a stick to measure from the left or right (east or west) boundary of the section to your location. Record the distance in feet.
* do the same from the top or bottom (north or south) boundary of the section.
* e.g., the Peter Grubb Hut can be described as being in "Section 2, Township 17 North, Range 14 East, at a point 1500 feet West of the Eastern boundary of the section and 2400 feet South of the Northern boundary of the section." A mouthful, but they will find you.

PRATICE PROBLEM 2: Try describing the location of Anderson Peak in both "Township and Range" methods. See
answer 2 on last page of this appendix.

[[Image:Mapsfig1.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF TOWNSHIP & RANGE PUBLIC LAND SUBDIVISIONS]]

Townships are numbered north and south of the base line.
Ranges are numbered east and west of a principal meridian.
The designated abbreviation would read: Township 3 South, Range 45 East.

[[Image:Mapsfig2a.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF TOWNSHIP & RANGE PUBLIC LAND SUBDIVISIONS]]

* Each Township is 6 miles square, and divided into 36 Sections. Each Section is 1 mile square.
* One Section contains 640 acres which can be subdivided into smaller tracts.

[[Image:Mapsfig2c.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF TOWNSHIP & RANGE PUBLIC LAND SUBDIVISIONS]]

* A Section can also be subdivided into (16) 40-acre tracts which can be designated by cardinal directions.
* A legal description of this parcel of 40 acres(beginning with the smallest designation first) will read: ýSE 1D4 NE 1D4, Section 36, T. 3 S R. 45 E.ý

=== Geographic Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude) ===
==== Basis of system ====

Geographic coordinates use the degree as the basic unit of measurement, with subdivisions into minutes and seconds.
The origin of this system is off the west coast of Africa, where the Greenwich meridian (0o longitude) intersects the
equator (0o latitude). Latitude is measured north or south of the equator up to 90o at the poles, and longitude is measured
west or east of the Greenwich meridian up to 180o in the Pacific Ocean. The contiguous states, Hawaii and most of
Alaska are in latitude north and longitude west. Therefore, "north" and "west" may be dropped when giving geographic
coordinates in the U.S. In the U.S. latitude and longitude cannot be confused with each other because the range of
numbers used to describe each are so different. However, by convention latitude is normally given first.
==== Map marks ====
Each corner of a USGS map contains a latitude and longitude reference. Latitude references are on the left and right
margins and longitude on the top and bottom margins. An easy way to remember which is which is that San Francisco is
at (roughly) latitude 38, so all of our latitude references will be near 38. [Or remember that in the U.S. the longer
number is for longitude (3 digits versus 2 digits for latitude).
The border of each USGS 7.5 minute map is divided into three 2.5 minute sections, marked by a minute reference (or
minute and 30 second reference if it falls between minutes) and a black tick extending into the body of the map. For
example, one-third of the way up the left or right hand margin of the 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle is the reference
17'30", which is really 39 °17'30". Similarly, one-third of the way across the top or bottom margin from the left border is
the designation 20', which is really 120 °20'.
==== Using the map marks to describe a location ====
Plotting approximate latitude and longitude on a topo map in the field is a relatively simple process. There are two ways
to do it, mathematically and geometrically. Fortunately, on the maps we use the two methods are virtually identical, and
produce a third method which we call Quick and Dirty (Q&D). We will describe the Q&D method first, but remember
that it will only work on our maps. [Note: The easiest method involves use of the Lat/Long Scale we provided. Skip
ahead to p. 15, subsection (d) and learn this method first, then come back and learn the other methods.]
For all three methods, first use a straight edge to transfer the point you wish to describe to the nearest horizontal and
vertical edges of the map, as you would in calculating UTM coordinates. You must now estimate the linear distances
between your points and the nearest lesser latitude or longitude references on the borders of the map and express those
distances in minutes and seconds.
All three methods are based on the fact that the distance between geographical coordinate ticks on the map are 2'30", as
described above. Because there are 60" in one minute, 2'30" equals 150". Consequently, if we can divide distance
between geographical grid ticks into 150 equal parts, we can describe the points we have transferred to the map borders
to the nearest second.

===== Quick and Dirty method =====
Fortunately, on our maps, the distance between geographical grid ticks for both latitude and longitude is easily divisible
into 150 segments. The distance between grid ticks on the top and bottom borders (longitude) is approximately 150 mm,
so each millimeter equals 1 second. The distance between geographical grid ticks on the left and right borders (latitude)
is approximately 7.5 inches, so each inch equals 20 seconds, and each 1/4" equals 5 seconds.
To determine geographical location, simply find your position in seconds, then convert to minutes and seconds as
necessary. For longitude, simply measure in millimeters along the top or bottom border from the next lowest mark to
your intersecting point. This is the number of seconds to add to determine longitude. For latitude, simply measure the
number of inches from the next lowest latitude mark to your intersecting mark and multiply by 20 (seconds per inch) to
get the number of seconds to add to the next lowest latitude reference.
To determine the latitude and longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut (PGH):
* first draw lines to intersect the nearby top and left borders of the map.
* the distance from the next lowest geographical grid tick (20', or 120o20') to the mark you placed across the top border of the map is approximately 120 millimeters.
* 120 mm x 1 second/mm = 120 seconds. 120 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2.0 minutes.
* add the 2 minutes to the 120o20' (next lowest longitude mark) and the longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut is 120o22'.
To determine the latitude of the Peter Grubb Hut:
* measure the distance from the nearest latitude mark below your transferred mark to your mark. This distance is approximately 6.25 inches.
* 6.25 inches x 20 seconds/inch = 125 seconds.
* to convert the seconds to minutes and seconds, divide your answer by 60 seconds/minute. 125 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2'5".
* add the 2'5" to the latitude mark you measured from (20', or 39o20'). 39o20' + 2'5" = 39o22'5".

Consequently, the Peter Grubb Hut lies at latitude 39o22'5", longitude 120o22' determined by the quick and dirty method.
[Note that we don't give the full designation of "latitude 39o22'5" north, longitude 120o22' west." Because everything in
the Northern Hemisphere is "north" latitude, and almost everything in the United States is "west" longitude, we drop the
"north" and "west" designations when giving geographic coordinates in the U.S.] Adding an elevation reference (in this
case "7800 feet") is helpful but not essential.
===== Mathematical method =====
The Q&D method is actually the mathematical method without long division calculations. With the mathematical
method, you simply measure the distance between the next lowest geographical grid tick and your mark, and divide that
distance by the distance between geographical grid ticks:
* first, measure and record the distance between geographic grid ticks on the map. E.g., the distance between longitude marks on the top or bottom edge of the Norden 7.5 map is about 150 mm.
* then, measure from the nearest geographical grid tick to the right of where your point bisects the top or bottom map border of the map.
* take that figure, in millimeters, and divide it by 150 mm, then multiply by 2.5, the number of minutes between geographical grid ticks. This will give you a figure in minutes.
* to convert your answer to minutes and seconds, simply multiply the fractional portion of your answer by 60 seconds/minute.
* then add your answer to the longitude of the nearest geographical grid tick to the right of your point (i.e., the nearest grid tick below your point).

Use the same process to determine latitude, but note that the distance between geographical grid ticks on the left and
right borders of the map is approximately 190 mm rather than 150 mm.
To determine the latitude and longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut, first draw lines to intersect the nearby top and left
borders of the map:
* the distance from the 20' (120o20') grid tick to the mark you placed across the top border of the map is approximately 120 millimeters.
* 120 mm/150 mm x 2.5 minutes = 2 minutes.
* add the 2 minutes to the 120o20' (nearest longitude grid tick to the right) and the longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut is 120o22'.
To determine the latitude of the Peter Grubb Hut:
* measure the distance from the nearest latitude mark below your transferred mark to your mark. This distance is approximately 158 millimeters.
* 158 mm/190 mm x 2.5 minutes = 2.08. To convert the fractional portion of your answer to seconds, multiply it by 60. .08 minutes x 60 seconds/minute = 4.8 seconds. Round it to 5 seconds to produce 2'5".
* add the 2'5" to the latitude mark you measured from. 39o 20' + 2'5" = 39o22'5".

Consequently, the Peter Grubb Hut lies at latitude 39o22'5", longitude 120o22' determined by the mathematical method,
the same answer we obtained using the Q&D method.

===== Geometrical method =====
(see Figure 3): If you can remember how to do long division or have a pocket calculator with
you, the mathematical method is quickest. However, if the calculations give you a headache, try this method.
To determine latitude or longitude geometrically:
* draw a line from the nearest reference point below your mark at an angle approximately 30o inward from the map border and approximately the distance between that point and the next highest geographical reference point. [See line A-B on the map excerpt on page 13 of this appendix.] The exact angle is not important, nor is the length of the line, but it should be approximately the length of the distance between longitude grid ticks on your map.
* consider this line to be divided into 150 equal increments. The figure 150 represents the number of seconds between geographical grid ticks on a 7.5 minute map (2.5 minutes x 60 seconds/minute = 150 seconds). On the Norden 7.5 map the distance is approximately 150 mm - extremely convenient for our purposes. Consequently, measure 150 mm along your 30 ° line and mark that point (see point B on the excerpt).
* connect that point (B) with the next highest longitudinal mark on the border of your map (point C) by drawing a line between those two points (line B-C).
* now draw a line parallel to your last drawn line from your intersecting mark (point X) to the 30 ° line (see line D-X). Be certain that lines B-C and D-X are parallel.
* next, measure along the 30 ° line from the beginning (point A) to the point (D) where your last drawn line (D-X) intersects the 30 ° line (point D). This measurement (line A-D) is the number of seconds to be added to determine the correct longitude. Because in this case 1 mm = 1 second, you don't have to do any calculations to convert from millimeters to seconds.

To determine latitude, use the same method, but a different base measurement. The 150 mm trick won't work because
the distance is approximately 190 mm. However, as we learned in the quick and dirty method, it is also approximately
7.5 inches, so each inch equals 20 seconds, and each 1/4 inch equals 5 seconds. Consequently, make all latitude
measurements in inches rather than millimeters.
To determine the geographic coordinates of the Peter Grubb Hut by the geometrical method, first draw lines from the hut
to intersect the nearby top and left borders of the map. To determine longitude (points X and Y on the map excerpt):

* draw a line from the 20' mark on the top border (just above the red section 29 number) diagonally downward to the left at an angle of approximately 30o. Draw it all the way to the left border of the map. Then measure along this line 150 mm from where you started and make a mark (point B).
* connect this point with the upper left corner of the map (the next highest longitude grid tick). [See line B-C.]
* draw a line parallel to your last line from the Peter Grubb Hut mark on the top border (point X) to the 30o line. [See line D-X.] Be certain that lines B-C and D-X are parallel.
* measure along the 30o line from the 20' mark (point A) to the point where the second parallel line meets the 30o line (point D). It should be approximately 120 mm. [Sound familiar?]
* 120 mm x 1 second/mm = 120 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2 minutes. Add the 2 minutes to 120o20' and you have 120o22' for Peter Grubb Hut longitude.

To determine Peter Grubb Hut latitude, employ the same process:
* draw the 30o line upward to the right from the 20' (39o20') mark (point E) on the left border of the map.
* measure off 7.5 inches on the 30o line and draw a line from that point (F) to the upper left corner of the map (point C). [See line C-F.]
* draw a line, parallel to your last drawn line, from the Peter Grubb Hut intersecting point on the left border (point Y) to the 30o line. [See line G-Y.] Be certain that lines C-F and G-Y are parallel.
* measure the distance from the 20' mark (point E) to this point on the 30o line (point G) in inches - it should be approximately 6.25 inches. [See line E-G.]
* 6.25 inches x 20 seconds/inch = 125 seconds.
* 125 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2'5".
* add 2'5" to 39o20' and you get a latitude of 39o22'5".

So the geographical coordinates of the Peter Grubb Hut are latitude 39o22'5", longitude 120o22' as determined by the
geometrical method. This is the same answer we got by using the other two methods.

PRATICE PROBLEM 3: Can you describe the location of Anderson Peak using geographic coordinates? Try all three
methods to see if you can arrive at identical answers. See answer 3 on the last page of this appendix. If you didn't get
the correct answer, please review the text and try again. This material may bend your brain, but it is extremely important
to be able to precisely describe your position in the field.

[[Image:Mapsfig3.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE USING GEOMETRICAL METHOD]]

===== Lat/Long Scale Method: Skewed Scale To Find Position =====
To determine the longitude and latitude of a point using the special longitude/latitude scale, the scale cannot
be laid parallel to the map border because in this orientation the scale does not match the interval and is too
long. The scale must be turned to an angle to find a solution. The following procedure describes how to turn
the scale to find the latitude and longitude of a point.
The 7.5 minute map has tick marks at 2ý30ý intervals along both the horizontal and vertical axis. To carryout
this procedure, straight lines must be drawn across the map and down the map at these 2ý30ý intervals. See
Figure 4 for an example of correct positioning of the scale to find Longitude. Note that the ruler has one side
for measuring distance labeled ýUSGS 7.5ý MAP SCALEý and one side for Latitude/Longitude measuring.

====== Longitude ======
# On the longitude side of the scale align the first (right) tick mark of the scale on a 2 minute 30 second (2ý30ý) line.
# Align the last (left) tick mark of the scale on the adjacent 2ý30ý line so the scale is straddling the point to be located. The numbers on the longitude scale need to be facing right side up.
# Slide the scale up or down the map (keeping the tick marks on the 2ý30ý lines) until the skewed scale aligns with the desired point on the edge of the scale. The first and last scale tick marks must still be aligned the with the 2ý30ý lines.
# Each tick on the scale has a pair of two-digit numbers that stand for seconds (e.g. 00·30). The first number of the pair allows you to count up the scale starting at 0 seconds., and the second number of the pair allows you to count up the scale starting from 30 seconds. If the longitude line to the right that is being measured off ends in 30ý (e.g. 120o 17ý 30ý), then count on the scale starting with the 30 minute values. If the longitude line being measured from (to the right) is an even minute (e.g. 120o 20ý 00ý), then count on the scale using the numbers starting with 00 minute.
# The longitude position is the sum of the values counted on the scale plus the value of the longitude line measured from.
====== Latitude ======
# On the Latitude side of the scale align the first (bottom of scale) tick mark of the scale on a 2ý30ý line.
# Align the last (top of scale) tick mark of the scale on the adjacent 2ý30ý line straddling the desired point to be measured. The numbers on the latitude scale need to be facing right side up.
# Slide the scale across the map (keeping the tick marks on the 2ý30ý lines) until the scale aligns skewed with the desired point on the edge of the scale. The first and last scale tick marks must still be aligned with the 2ý30ý lines.
# Similar to the longitude, on the Latitude edge of the scale, each tick on the scale has a pair of two- digit numbers that stand for seconds (e.g. 00·30). Count using the pair of numbers similar to Longitude.
# The latitude position is the sum of the values counted on the scale plus the value of the longitude line measured from.

[[Image:Mapsfig4.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF USE OF LAT/LONG SCALE]]

=== Position Shorthand ===
Each grid coordinate system is a method for communicating a location, and that location needs to be expressed in a language the receiving party will understand. TBSP has specific guidelines for expressing positions in the coordinate system:

* '''LAT-LONG''': All lat-long coordinates should be expressed with the DATUM first, like "NAD27 datum, 37 degrees 43.44 minutes north, 118 degrees 30.2 minutes west". When written, a single hash ' represents minutes and a double hash " represents seconds.
* '''UTM''': UTM six digit shorthand is read "right->up", meaning the x or East coordinate is read first, and the y coordinate or North is read second.
* '''Township and Range''': Township/range has no shorthand, and is read from most specific-to-least.
* '''All coordinate systems''': Regardless of the coordinate system, it's always good to specify a couple known landmarks to prevent confusion and to allow the receiving party to double-check the position they are given.

== GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) USES ==
GPS units can be of great value in locating your current position and for route-finding. However they have their
advantages and disadvantages, and can only supplement, not replace map and compass skills. You have to understand how it works, including the difference between the multiple coordinate systems and how to translate from one to the other. By convention, TBSP Patrol maps use the NAD 27 CONUS system, however most modern GPS units will default to the newer WGS 84 standard. This alone can result in a position error of several hundred meters.

; ADVANTAGES
* Works in bad visibility when you cannot make
* a compass sighting
* Can be faster to get the coordinates of your
* location than a map and compass
* Can convert easily between coordinate
* systems (i.e. Lat/Long to UTM)

; DISADVANTAGES
* Batteries have a limited life (and life decreases with lower temperatures ý as little as 4 hours)
* Does not locate you on a map or help route-finding
* Hard to get a sense of map scale on a 2 inch screen
* Satellites may not be very visible (esp. in canyons), or few satellites may give low accuracy
* May not have a compass

If one is going to carry a GPS unit, to use it effectively one should master the following skills:
* Basic operation (navigate through screens, changes scales, start/stop navigating, etc)
* Set up the system, including:
** Choose datum. In California, should use North American Datum (NAD27)
** Choose coordinate system and units (for example, if using Lat/Long, the units should be degrees/minutes/second instead of degrees/minutes/tenths of minutes)
** Set up to conserve battery power
* Marking waypoints
* Navigating to waypoints
* Entering waypoints in the field
* Changing coordinate systems (for example, from Lat/Long to UTM)
* Backtracking

== PRATICE PROBLEM ANSWERS ==
# "333488 on the 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle."
# "Southwest 1/4, Southeast 1/4, Section 3, Township 16 North, Range 15 East" or, using the alternative method: "Section 3, Township 16 North, Range 15 East, at a point 2350 feet west of the eastern section boundary and 750 feet north of the southern section boundary, at about 8700 feet elevation."
# "Latitude 39°15'33", longitude 120°17'46" at about 8700 feet elevation." [Remember, we always give latitude first, and don't have to express "latitude" and "longitude".]

If you missed any of these, reread the pertinent sections and try again.

{{PatrolManual}}

Appendix H: Map and Compass Skills

2012-12-15T02:52:30Z

GregMarsden: /* Basis of system */

== Map and Compass Guidelines ==

=== Selecting Maps ===

TBSP recommends the following maps for patrollers. Basic map characteristics should include:
* 1:24000 scale
* Waterproof paper
* UTM and Lat/Long coordinate systems
* Large enough to include surrounding peaks (For resectioning)
* By convention, patrol maps use NAD27 CONUS

[[Maps|Order nifty waterproof maps of our patrol areas, with UTM and Lat/Long grid lines at mytopo.com.]]

=== Selecting a compass ===
A good compass with declination adjustment, sighting mirror and clinometer (Suunto MC 2G or Silva Ranger Type
15CL, aka CL515) costs $55-$70. Buy a good one. The following discussion assumes you have followed this advice.
Consequently, it does not deal with the procedures and calculations required to correct for declination if your compass
does not have a declination adjustment feature. (If you insist on using a compass without declination adjustment, these
procedures can be explained in the field, but they are confusing and difficult to remember. Don't say we didn't warn
you.)
=== Declination adjustment ===
The Magnetic North Pole lies to the south of true North Pole, which causes an error in compass readings known as
declination. The value of declination for a particular area is found on the lower left corner of all USGS maps. For our
purposes, declination of 17o east is sufficient for all maps. To adjust your compass, simply insert the small key into the
screw on the bottom of your compass and turn the screw until the mark at the rear of the orienting arrow lines up with
17o east declination. Now, unlike those who have compasses without declination adjustment, you will never have to
worry about declination again.
=== Map bearings ===
* Mark (or note) your position and destination on the map.
* Place the long side of the compass base plate on these two points so that the cover is towards your destination. If necessary, the cover of the compass or a ruler can be used as an extension of the base plate.
* Turn the bezel until the meridian lines on the compass capsule are parallel with the meridian lines on the map (or the left or right border of the map) and N on the bezel is on the north side of the capsule with reference to the map.
* The bearing from your location to your destination can now be read at the index pointer (centered luminous mark near the hinge of the compass).

To transfer this bearing to the field, simply turn your body until the needle is centered on the orienting arrow and the
colors match (red with red and black with black). [After dark, turn your body until the luminous point on the needle lies
between the luminous points on either side of the orienting arrow.] The sighting line through the mirror indicates your
direction of travel.
=== Orienting (setting) the map ===
To orient your map (only necessary when in the field), follow the same procedure described above, but leave the
compass on the map and turn the map instead of your body. Once the map is oriented, you can compare field
topographical features with those depicted on the map.
=== Taking field bearings ===
* open the cover to approximately 60o.
* place the lanyard around your neck and raise the compass to eye level while holding it level with both hands, and hold it as far from your body as possible so the lanyard is tight.
* close one eye (always close the same eye) and sight through the notch in the cover (mirror), turning your body until the landmark is precisely above the notch, AND the vertical centerline of the mirror appears to intersect the axis of the needle.
* while maintaining the above position, look into the mirror and turn the bezel until the needle is within and parallel to the orienting arrow as observed in the mirror.
* read the bearing at the index pointer (centered luminous mark near the hinge of the compass).
=== Finding your location using two or more landmarks ===
* Take a bearing on a known landmark as described above.
* to transfer this bearing to the map, place the compass on the map and open the cover wide so the long edge of the compass intersects the known landmark.
* turn the compass edge around the known landmark until the meridian lines on the capsule are parallel with the meridian lines (or the left or right border) of the map, and the N mark on the bezel is on the north side (on the map) of the capsule.
* starting from the known landmark, draw a line along the edge of the compass in the direction of your approximate location.
* repeat the process using a second landmark approximately 90o from the first landmark.
* your location is the point where the two lines intersect.
* for improved accuracy, repeat the procedure using a third landmark. A line from the third point should intersect at approximately the same point
=== Using the clinometer ===
We use the clinometer to measure slope angle, a critical indicator of avalanche propensity, and alpha angles, which
indicate whether you are in a potential avalanche run out zone:
* turn the bezel until it reads 270o at the index pointer.
* position the compass so the long edge is parallel with the surface to be measured and the base plate aligns with the vertical plane (this allows the clinometer pointer to turn freely).
* open the compass cover to approximately 30o.
* steady the compass with both hands and sight along the top edge of the base plate. Looking into the mirror,
read the angle indicated by the clinometer pointer.
== GRID COORDINATE SYSTEMS ==
Patrollers must know how to determine their location on a USGS or Forest Service map and how to move from one
location to another using a map and compass. Patrollers also must know how to direct helicopters to a pre-determined
landing sites, and be able to use a map and compass to reach such sites.
In order to be able to express their location to various rescue personnel, patrollers must learn three systems of map
coordinates:
# Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) which is used by many search and rescue organizations,
# Public Land System (PLS), also called "Township and Range," which is used by the Forest Service; and
# geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude), which are used by rescue helicopters and other aircraft.

Coordinates for all three systems are found on every USGS map we use.
Some search and rescue organizations and air medical services use computer software to convert among various
coordinate systems, but not all organizations have software or personnel capable of converting among all three systems.
Consequently, we must be able to express our location in all three grid coordinate systems.
Most map and compass training will be done in the field. Field training will concentrate on locating positions and
plotting courses using landmarks and a map and compass. We will not spend much time on grid coordinate systems in
the field. The following sections describe each of the three grid coordinate systems used to determine specific map
locations. Examples are based upon the USGS 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle map.
You should attempt to master this material before you begin field training in order to gain a more complete
understanding of this critical subject. It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you go through each system several
times and do the sample problems you should be able to master all three systems. Instructors will attempt to answer any
questions you have regarding the written material.

=== Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) ===
==== Basis of system ====
Distance is measured in meters north and south from the equator and east and west from a "principal meridian,"
defined in multiple zones. For the Tahoe area, the meridian is located in the Pacific Ocean.

==== Map marks ====
UTM grid coordinates are the series of black numbers on the white border of the map next to the blue grid ticks. For
example, in the upper left margin of the 7.5-minute Norden Quadrangle appears the number 4361000N. The blue grid tick
to the right of this number marks a distance 4,361 kilometers (4,361,000 meters) north of the equator. In the left end of
the top margin of the map, just below the words "GEOLOGICAL SURVEY" is the number 727000E. The blue grid tick
to the left of this number marks a distance 727 kilometers (727,000 meters) east of the principal meridian. Other similar
numbers on the map eliminate the 000m and express the distance only in kilometers.
==== Using the map marks to describe a location ====
Forget all of the superscript numbers. Henceforth, 4361000N will be referred to as 61, and 728 as 28. To learn how to
describe your location, let's use an example from the Norden 7.5 minute map:
* locate the summit of Donner Peak in the middle of your Norden 7.5 minute map.
* draw an imaginary north-south line from your position to the top or bottom margin of the map, and note the blue UTM grid tick numbers on either side of the point where your imaginary line intersects the map margin. The numbers should be 31 and 32. [Note that while the blue grid ticks are always present, often the numbers are missing and you have to extrapolate them from nearby grid tick references. For example, at the bottom of the map, the reference to 32 is missing, and at the top, the reference to 31 is missing.]
* Do the same exercise using an east-west imaginary line to the left or right margin of the map, noting the blue grid ticks above and below the point where your imaginary line intersects the map margin. You should fall between grid ticks 54 and 55.
* Now draw a line between grid tick 31 on the top and grid tick 31 on the bottom of the map. If you don't have a straight edge long enough (and you won't in the field), fold over one edge of the map and use it as a straight edge to connect the two "31" grid ticks. Be certain that the edge of the map is flat or your line will be off. Next, do the same exercise to connect grid ticks 32, 53 and 54. [We strongly suggest that for training purposes you draw the entire UTM grid on your Norden 7.5 minute map.]
* Note that the lines you have drawn have created a square box around the Donner Peak reference point. [In the future, you only have to create this "box," and it is unnecessary to draw complete lines between the grid ticks.] Notice that the lines you have drawn are not parallel to the edges of the map, but are slightly skewed. This is because the UTM grid system is not based upon True North, but your map is. From now on, you will focus on the "box" you have just created.
* within the box draw a line, parallel to the left and right sides of the box, from the summit of Donner Peak to the nearer of the top or bottom margin of the box. [In this case, the bottom margin.]
* divide the distance along the bottom margin into ten equal parts, and record where your line intersects the box margin to the nearest tenth. You should find that your line intersected the bottom margin of the box 8 tenths of the distance from grid line 31 (the left side of the box) to grid line 32 (the right side of the box), and thus you should record 318. [It is actually 31.8, but the decimal point is eliminated.] [Try using your UTM grid reader to speed this process.]
* next, draw a line, parallel to the top and bottom margins of the box, from the summit of Donner Peak to the nearer of the left or right margins of the box. [In this case, the right margin.]
* again, record where the line falls to the nearest tenth. You should find that the line intersects the right box margin 3 tenths of the distance from grid line 54 to grid line 55, and thus you should record 543.
* then simply combine the two three digit numbers into one six-digit number, giving the east-west coordinate before the north-south coordinate. In our example 318 and 543 would produce "UTM 318543 on the 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle." (Note that we reference the particular map because you might get a slightly different reading using a 15-minute map of the same area.)

PRATICE PROBLEM 1: Try determining the UTM location of the triangle marking the tablet atop Anderson Peak,
located roughly 1 3/4 inches from the bottom margin and 6 1/2 inches from the right margin. See answer 1 on last page
of this appendix.

=== Public Land System (Township and Range) ===
==== Basis of system ====
Figures 2 and 3 of this article describe the Township and Range system used by the Forest Service. Because we
patrol pursuant to volunteer agreements with the Forest Service and use their radio system, we must know how to
communicate in a language the Forest Service's radio dispatcher understands. Once you understand the basic Township
and Range system, return to this page to learn how to more precisely express a particular location using this system.
==== Map marks ====
Township, Range and Section boundaries are marked in red on USGS maps. If the line is dashed, it means its location is
approximate. Township (T.) and Range (R.) designations are found along the margins of the map wherever there is a
Township or Range boundary (as contrasted with a Section boundary). Township and Range designations also appear in
the body of the map where appropriate to mark a deviation in the boundary. Section numbers appear in red in the center
of each Section. For example, the Peter Grubb Hut is located in Section 2, T. 17 N., R. 14 E.
Using the map marks to describe a location
==== To describe a particular point within a section: ====
* find the Township and Range, and the section
* divide the Section into four equal quarters, also know as quadrants.
* subdivide the quadrant in which you are located (or wish to describe) into four sub-quadrants.
* describe the tract in which you are located in terms of the sub-quadrant, quadrants, Section, Township and Range. This method describes your location in a 40-acre tract (a quarter-mile by quarter-mile square).
* for example: the Peter Grubb Hut is located in the "Southwest 1/4, (of the) Northeast 1/4, Section 2, Township 17 North, Range 14 East." Because this is too vague a description for someone trying to find you, when dealing with the USFS, you should give this description, but also give a UTM or geographical coordinate depending on which rescue agency you expect to respond. It wouldn't hurt to give all three. Alternatively, you can measure the distance from the east or west boundary and the north or south boundary of the section, using the scale at the bottom of the map:
* use a ruler, piece of paper or a stick to measure from the left or right (east or west) boundary of the section to your location. Record the distance in feet.
* do the same from the top or bottom (north or south) boundary of the section.
* e.g., the Peter Grubb Hut can be described as being in "Section 2, Township 17 North, Range 14 East, at a point 1500 feet West of the Eastern boundary of the section and 2400 feet South of the Northern boundary of the section." A mouthful, but they will find you.

PRATICE PROBLEM 2: Try describing the location of Anderson Peak in both "Township and Range" methods. See
answer 2 on last page of this appendix.

[[Image:Mapsfig1.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF TOWNSHIP & RANGE PUBLIC LAND SUBDIVISIONS]]

Townships are numbered north and south of the base line.
Ranges are numbered east and west of a principal meridian.
The designated abbreviation would read: Township 3 South, Range 45 East.

[[Image:Mapsfig2a.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF TOWNSHIP & RANGE PUBLIC LAND SUBDIVISIONS]]

* Each Township is 6 miles square, and divided into 36 Sections. Each Section is 1 mile square.
* One Section contains 640 acres which can be subdivided into smaller tracts.

[[Image:Mapsfig2c.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF TOWNSHIP & RANGE PUBLIC LAND SUBDIVISIONS]]

* A Section can also be subdivided into (16) 40-acre tracts which can be designated by cardinal directions.
* A legal description of this parcel of 40 acres(beginning with the smallest designation first) will read: ýSE 1D4 NE 1D4, Section 36, T. 3 S R. 45 E.ý

=== Geographic Coordinates (Latitude and Longitude) ===
==== Basis of system ====

Geographic coordinates use the degree as the basic unit of measurement, with subdivisions into minutes and seconds.
The origin of this system is off the west coast of Africa, where the Greenwich meridian (0o longitude) intersects the
equator (0o latitude). Latitude is measured north or south of the equator up to 90o at the poles, and longitude is measured
west or east of the Greenwich meridian up to 180o in the Pacific Ocean. The contiguous states, Hawaii and most of
Alaska are in latitude north and longitude west. Therefore, "north" and "west" may be dropped when giving geographic
coordinates in the U.S. In the U.S. latitude and longitude cannot be confused with each other because the range of
numbers used to describe each are so different. However, by convention latitude is normally given first.
==== Map marks ====
Each corner of a USGS map contains a latitude and longitude reference. Latitude references are on the left and right
margins and longitude on the top and bottom margins. An easy way to remember which is which is that San Francisco is
at (roughly) latitude 38, so all of our latitude references will be near 38. [Or remember that in the U.S. the longer
number is for longitude (3 digits versus 2 digits for latitude).
The border of each USGS 7.5 minute map is divided into three 2.5 minute sections, marked by a minute reference (or
minute and 30 second reference if it falls between minutes) and a black tick extending into the body of the map. For
example, one-third of the way up the left or right hand margin of the 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle is the reference
17'30", which is really 39 °17'30". Similarly, one-third of the way across the top or bottom margin from the left border is
the designation 20', which is really 120 °20'.
==== Using the map marks to describe a location ====
Plotting approximate latitude and longitude on a topo map in the field is a relatively simple process. There are two ways
to do it, mathematically and geometrically. Fortunately, on the maps we use the two methods are virtually identical, and
produce a third method which we call Quick and Dirty (Q&D). We will describe the Q&D method first, but remember
that it will only work on our maps. [Note: The easiest method involves use of the Lat/Long Scale we provided. Skip
ahead to p. 15, subsection (d) and learn this method first, then come back and learn the other methods.]
For all three methods, first use a straight edge to transfer the point you wish to describe to the nearest horizontal and
vertical edges of the map, as you would in calculating UTM coordinates. You must now estimate the linear distances
between your points and the nearest lesser latitude or longitude references on the borders of the map and express those
distances in minutes and seconds.
All three methods are based on the fact that the distance between geographical coordinate ticks on the map are 2'30", as
described above. Because there are 60" in one minute, 2'30" equals 150". Consequently, if we can divide distance
between geographical grid ticks into 150 equal parts, we can describe the points we have transferred to the map borders
to the nearest second.

===== Quick and Dirty method =====
Fortunately, on our maps, the distance between geographical grid ticks for both latitude and longitude is easily divisible
into 150 segments. The distance between grid ticks on the top and bottom borders (longitude) is approximately 150 mm,
so each millimeter equals 1 second. The distance between geographical grid ticks on the left and right borders (latitude)
is approximately 7.5 inches, so each inch equals 20 seconds, and each 1/4" equals 5 seconds.
To determine geographical location, simply find your position in seconds, then convert to minutes and seconds as
necessary. For longitude, simply measure in millimeters along the top or bottom border from the next lowest mark to
your intersecting point. This is the number of seconds to add to determine longitude. For latitude, simply measure the
number of inches from the next lowest latitude mark to your intersecting mark and multiply by 20 (seconds per inch) to
get the number of seconds to add to the next lowest latitude reference.
To determine the latitude and longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut (PGH):
* first draw lines to intersect the nearby top and left borders of the map.
* the distance from the next lowest geographical grid tick (20', or 120o20') to the mark you placed across the top border of the map is approximately 120 millimeters.
* 120 mm x 1 second/mm = 120 seconds. 120 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2.0 minutes.
* add the 2 minutes to the 120o20' (next lowest longitude mark) and the longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut is 120o22'.
To determine the latitude of the Peter Grubb Hut:
* measure the distance from the nearest latitude mark below your transferred mark to your mark. This distance is approximately 6.25 inches.
* 6.25 inches x 20 seconds/inch = 125 seconds.
* to convert the seconds to minutes and seconds, divide your answer by 60 seconds/minute. 125 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2'5".
* add the 2'5" to the latitude mark you measured from (20', or 39o20'). 39o20' + 2'5" = 39o22'5".

Consequently, the Peter Grubb Hut lies at latitude 39o22'5", longitude 120o22' determined by the quick and dirty method.
[Note that we don't give the full designation of "latitude 39o22'5" north, longitude 120o22' west." Because everything in
the Northern Hemisphere is "north" latitude, and almost everything in the United States is "west" longitude, we drop the
"north" and "west" designations when giving geographic coordinates in the U.S.] Adding an elevation reference (in this
case "7800 feet") is helpful but not essential.
===== Mathematical method =====
The Q&D method is actually the mathematical method without long division calculations. With the mathematical
method, you simply measure the distance between the next lowest geographical grid tick and your mark, and divide that
distance by the distance between geographical grid ticks:
* first, measure and record the distance between geographic grid ticks on the map. E.g., the distance between longitude marks on the top or bottom edge of the Norden 7.5 map is about 150 mm.
* then, measure from the nearest geographical grid tick to the right of where your point bisects the top or bottom map border of the map.
* take that figure, in millimeters, and divide it by 150 mm, then multiply by 2.5, the number of minutes between geographical grid ticks. This will give you a figure in minutes.
* to convert your answer to minutes and seconds, simply multiply the fractional portion of your answer by 60 seconds/minute.
* then add your answer to the longitude of the nearest geographical grid tick to the right of your point (i.e., the nearest grid tick below your point).

Use the same process to determine latitude, but note that the distance between geographical grid ticks on the left and
right borders of the map is approximately 190 mm rather than 150 mm.
To determine the latitude and longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut, first draw lines to intersect the nearby top and left
borders of the map:
* the distance from the 20' (120o20') grid tick to the mark you placed across the top border of the map is approximately 120 millimeters.
* 120 mm/150 mm x 2.5 minutes = 2 minutes.
* add the 2 minutes to the 120o20' (nearest longitude grid tick to the right) and the longitude of the Peter Grubb Hut is 120o22'.
To determine the latitude of the Peter Grubb Hut:
* measure the distance from the nearest latitude mark below your transferred mark to your mark. This distance is approximately 158 millimeters.
* 158 mm/190 mm x 2.5 minutes = 2.08. To convert the fractional portion of your answer to seconds, multiply it by 60. .08 minutes x 60 seconds/minute = 4.8 seconds. Round it to 5 seconds to produce 2'5".
* add the 2'5" to the latitude mark you measured from. 39o 20' + 2'5" = 39o22'5".

Consequently, the Peter Grubb Hut lies at latitude 39o22'5", longitude 120o22' determined by the mathematical method,
the same answer we obtained using the Q&D method.

===== Geometrical method =====
(see Figure 3): If you can remember how to do long division or have a pocket calculator with
you, the mathematical method is quickest. However, if the calculations give you a headache, try this method.
To determine latitude or longitude geometrically:
* draw a line from the nearest reference point below your mark at an angle approximately 30o inward from the map border and approximately the distance between that point and the next highest geographical reference point. [See line A-B on the map excerpt on page 13 of this appendix.] The exact angle is not important, nor is the length of the line, but it should be approximately the length of the distance between longitude grid ticks on your map.
* consider this line to be divided into 150 equal increments. The figure 150 represents the number of seconds between geographical grid ticks on a 7.5 minute map (2.5 minutes x 60 seconds/minute = 150 seconds). On the Norden 7.5 map the distance is approximately 150 mm - extremely convenient for our purposes. Consequently, measure 150 mm along your 30 ° line and mark that point (see point B on the excerpt).
* connect that point (B) with the next highest longitudinal mark on the border of your map (point C) by drawing a line between those two points (line B-C).
* now draw a line parallel to your last drawn line from your intersecting mark (point X) to the 30 ° line (see line D-X). Be certain that lines B-C and D-X are parallel.
* next, measure along the 30 ° line from the beginning (point A) to the point (D) where your last drawn line (D-X) intersects the 30 ° line (point D). This measurement (line A-D) is the number of seconds to be added to determine the correct longitude. Because in this case 1 mm = 1 second, you don't have to do any calculations to convert from millimeters to seconds.

To determine latitude, use the same method, but a different base measurement. The 150 mm trick won't work because
the distance is approximately 190 mm. However, as we learned in the quick and dirty method, it is also approximately
7.5 inches, so each inch equals 20 seconds, and each 1/4 inch equals 5 seconds. Consequently, make all latitude
measurements in inches rather than millimeters.
To determine the geographic coordinates of the Peter Grubb Hut by the geometrical method, first draw lines from the hut
to intersect the nearby top and left borders of the map. To determine longitude (points X and Y on the map excerpt):

* draw a line from the 20' mark on the top border (just above the red section 29 number) diagonally downward to the left at an angle of approximately 30o. Draw it all the way to the left border of the map. Then measure along this line 150 mm from where you started and make a mark (point B).
* connect this point with the upper left corner of the map (the next highest longitude grid tick). [See line B-C.]
* draw a line parallel to your last line from the Peter Grubb Hut mark on the top border (point X) to the 30o line. [See line D-X.] Be certain that lines B-C and D-X are parallel.
* measure along the 30o line from the 20' mark (point A) to the point where the second parallel line meets the 30o line (point D). It should be approximately 120 mm. [Sound familiar?]
* 120 mm x 1 second/mm = 120 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2 minutes. Add the 2 minutes to 120o20' and you have 120o22' for Peter Grubb Hut longitude.

To determine Peter Grubb Hut latitude, employ the same process:
* draw the 30o line upward to the right from the 20' (39o20') mark (point E) on the left border of the map.
* measure off 7.5 inches on the 30o line and draw a line from that point (F) to the upper left corner of the map (point C). [See line C-F.]
* draw a line, parallel to your last drawn line, from the Peter Grubb Hut intersecting point on the left border (point Y) to the 30o line. [See line G-Y.] Be certain that lines C-F and G-Y are parallel.
* measure the distance from the 20' mark (point E) to this point on the 30o line (point G) in inches - it should be approximately 6.25 inches. [See line E-G.]
* 6.25 inches x 20 seconds/inch = 125 seconds.
* 125 seconds ÷ 60 seconds/minute = 2'5".
* add 2'5" to 39o20' and you get a latitude of 39o22'5".

So the geographical coordinates of the Peter Grubb Hut are latitude 39o22'5", longitude 120o22' as determined by the
geometrical method. This is the same answer we got by using the other two methods.

PRATICE PROBLEM 3: Can you describe the location of Anderson Peak using geographic coordinates? Try all three
methods to see if you can arrive at identical answers. See answer 3 on the last page of this appendix. If you didn't get
the correct answer, please review the text and try again. This material may bend your brain, but it is extremely important
to be able to precisely describe your position in the field.

[[Image:Mapsfig3.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE USING GEOMETRICAL METHOD]]

===== Lat/Long Scale Method: Skewed Scale To Find Position =====
To determine the longitude and latitude of a point using the special longitude/latitude scale, the scale cannot
be laid parallel to the map border because in this orientation the scale does not match the interval and is too
long. The scale must be turned to an angle to find a solution. The following procedure describes how to turn
the scale to find the latitude and longitude of a point.
The 7.5 minute map has tick marks at 2ý30ý intervals along both the horizontal and vertical axis. To carryout
this procedure, straight lines must be drawn across the map and down the map at these 2ý30ý intervals. See
Figure 4 for an example of correct positioning of the scale to find Longitude. Note that the ruler has one side
for measuring distance labeled ýUSGS 7.5ý MAP SCALEý and one side for Latitude/Longitude measuring.

====== Longitude ======
# On the longitude side of the scale align the first (right) tick mark of the scale on a 2 minute 30 second (2ý30ý) line.
# Align the last (left) tick mark of the scale on the adjacent 2ý30ý line so the scale is straddling the point to be located. The numbers on the longitude scale need to be facing right side up.
# Slide the scale up or down the map (keeping the tick marks on the 2ý30ý lines) until the skewed scale aligns with the desired point on the edge of the scale. The first and last scale tick marks must still be aligned the with the 2ý30ý lines.
# Each tick on the scale has a pair of two-digit numbers that stand for seconds (e.g. 00·30). The first number of the pair allows you to count up the scale starting at 0 seconds., and the second number of the pair allows you to count up the scale starting from 30 seconds. If the longitude line to the right that is being measured off ends in 30ý (e.g. 120o 17ý 30ý), then count on the scale starting with the 30 minute values. If the longitude line being measured from (to the right) is an even minute (e.g. 120o 20ý 00ý), then count on the scale using the numbers starting with 00 minute.
# The longitude position is the sum of the values counted on the scale plus the value of the longitude line measured from.
====== Latitude ======
# On the Latitude side of the scale align the first (bottom of scale) tick mark of the scale on a 2ý30ý line.
# Align the last (top of scale) tick mark of the scale on the adjacent 2ý30ý line straddling the desired point to be measured. The numbers on the latitude scale need to be facing right side up.
# Slide the scale across the map (keeping the tick marks on the 2ý30ý lines) until the scale aligns skewed with the desired point on the edge of the scale. The first and last scale tick marks must still be aligned with the 2ý30ý lines.
# Similar to the longitude, on the Latitude edge of the scale, each tick on the scale has a pair of two- digit numbers that stand for seconds (e.g. 00·30). Count using the pair of numbers similar to Longitude.
# The latitude position is the sum of the values counted on the scale plus the value of the longitude line measured from.

[[Image:Mapsfig4.png|thumb|300px|EXAMPLE OF USE OF LAT/LONG SCALE]]

=== Position Shorthand ===
Each grid coordinate system is a method for communicating a location, and that location needs to be expressed in a language the receiving party will understand. TBSP has specific guidelines for expressing positions in the coordinate system:

* '''LAT-LONG''': All lat-long coordinates should be expressed with the DATUM first, like "NAD27 datum, 37 degrees 43.44 minutes north, 118 degrees 30.2 minutes west". When written, a single hash ' represents minutes and a double hash " represents seconds.
* '''UTM''': UTM six digit shorthand is read "right->up", meaning the x or East coordinate is read first, and the y coordinate or North is read second.
* '''Township and Range''': Township/range has no shorthand, and is read from most specific-to-least.
* '''All coordinate systems''': Regardless of the coordinate system, it's always good to specify a couple known landmarks to prevent confusion and to allow the receiving party to double-check the position they are given.

== GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) USES ==
GPS units can be of great value in locating your current position and for route-finding. However they have their
advantages and disadvantages, and can only supplement, not replace map and compass skills. You have to understand how it works, including the difference between the multiple coordinate systems and how to translate from one to the other. By convention, TBSP Patrol maps use the NAD 27 CONUS system, however most modern GPS units will default to the newer WGS 84 standard. This alone can result in a position error of several hundred meters.

; ADVANTAGES
* Works in bad visibility when you cannot make
* a compass sighting
* Can be faster to get the coordinates of your
* location than a map and compass
* Can convert easily between coordinate
* systems (i.e. Lat/Long to UTM)

; DISADVANTAGES
* Batteries have a limited life (and life decreases with lower temperatures ý as little as 4 hours)
* Does not locate you on a map or help route-finding
* Hard to get a sense of map scale on a 2 inch screen
* Satellites may not be very visible (esp. in canyons), or few satellites may give low accuracy
* May not have a compass

If one is going to carry a GPS unit, to use it effectively one should master the following skills:
* Basic operation (navigate through screens, changes scales, start/stop navigating, etc)
* Set up the system, including:
** Choose datum. In California, should use North American Datum (NAD27)
** Choose coordinate system and units (for example, if using Lat/Long, the units should be degrees/minutes/second instead of degrees/minutes/tenths of minutes)
** Set up to conserve battery power
* Marking waypoints
* Navigating to waypoints
* Entering waypoints in the field
* Changing coordinate systems (for example, from Lat/Long to UTM)
* Backtracking

== PRATICE PROBLEM ANSWERS ==
# "333488 on the 7.5 minute Norden Quadrangle."
# "Southwest 1/4, Southeast 1/4, Section 3, Township 16 North, Range 15 East" or, using the alternative method: "Section 3, Township 16 North, Range 15 East, at a point 2350 feet west of the eastern section boundary and 750 feet north of the southern section boundary, at about 8700 feet elevation."
# "Latitude 39°15'33", longitude 120°17'46" at about 8700 feet elevation." [Remember, we always give latitude first, and don't have to express "latitude" and "longitude".]

If you missed any of these, reread the pertinent sections and try again.

{{PatrolManual}}

Main Page

2012-12-09T01:16:15Z

GregMarsden: /* Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol */

__NOTOC__
''' Welcome to TBSPedia '''

== Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol ==

[[Image:TBSP 2007.jpg|thumb|320px|right|TBSP Patrollers geting a briefing on helicopter protocols]]

;[[About TBSP| About Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol]]: Learn more about the patrol and our activities.
;[[TBSP Introduction| Join the Patrol]]: Introduction to the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol! Instructions for prospective candidates.
;[[Press and Media| TBSP in the News]]: News articles and press clippings about Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[SkiAlong|Ski-Along]]: Schedule an on-the-snow introduction to backcountry patrolling.

== Resources ==
;[[PatrolManual|Patrol Manual]]:Read up on the policies and protocols of the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[Current conditions]]: Links for up to date weather, traffic and avalanche information.
;[[Miscellaneous]]: Links for physical conditioning, tree-well immersion, etc.
;[[Simple GPS route to Peter Grubb Hut]]: http://wiki.tbsp.org/PGH_Route
== Avalanche Class links ==
Dry Gulch Avalanche 12/5/2010: http://avalanche.state.co.us/acc/accidents_co.php

Video - Avalanche Skier POV Helmet Cam Burial & Rescue in Haines, Alaska:
http://vimeo.com/6581009

Danger Rose Tutorial:
http://utahavalanchecenter.org/danger_rose_tutorial

Avalanche Encyclopedia (UAC):
http://www.avalanche.org/~uac/encyclopedia/index.htm

Extended Compression Test:

Shear Quality video (UAC):http://utahavalanchecenter.org/observation_intermediate_ridgein_cardiff_fork_1212011:

Strategic Shovelling:

Online Tutorials:
http://utahavalanchecenter.org/online_tutorials

The film “A Dozen More Turns” can be found at:
part 1 of 3: [http://www.lifeonterra.com/episode.php?id=77]:
part 2 of 3: [http://www.lifeonterra.com/episode.php?id=78]:
part 3 of 3: [http://www.lifeonterra.com/episode.php?id=79]:

Snow crystals and physics of their formation.
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/

Transceiver reviews:
http://beaconreviews.com/transceivers/

AIARE - the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Training:
http://www.avtraining.org/

Snow pit plotting software(free):
http://www.snowpilot.org/

== About the Patrol==
A short slideshow about TBSP Patrols and Search and Rescue!
<videoflash>jgx0w4yJiL4</videoflash>

== Information for Patrollers ==
;[[Search And Rescue]]: Information and Signup Instructions for the Search and Rescue Team.
;[[Boreal Patrol]]: Instructions for your Boreal day.
;[[Hobart Chalet]]: Chalet instructions for this year.
;[[Avalanche Related Resources]]: Links about avalanche stuff.
;[[Operations - things to fix]]: Bulletin board for posting items needing attention, or volunteering to fix it!.
;[[Senior Program]]: Information on how and why to become a Senior Patroller in TBSP.

Learn about wikis: [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Tutorial_%28Formatting%29 Quick Start instructions from wikipedia]], [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing a full tutorial on using wikis]], and [[How to upload files]].

TBSP Introduction

2012-12-09T01:14:28Z

GregMarsden:

The Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service provides information and assistance for backcountry travelers in the Tahoe National Forest and Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. TBSP also provides community education, basic and advanced avalanche and mountain travel/rescue training for ski patrollers, and winter Search and Rescue services in Northern California. Join us on patrol!

=== Where and when we patrol ===
Most of our patrolling takes place in California's Tahoe National Forest in the Castle Peak area north of Donner Summit and on the Pacific Crest Trail. It's the most popular destination that we patrol, not just among backcountry skiers and snowboarders, but also a fair number of snowshoers on their way to spend the day or overnight at the Sierra Club's [http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/huts/grubb.asp Peter Grubb Hut]. Our primary patrol destination in Nevada is the Tahoe Meadows area and its neighboring wilderness zones near Mount Rose, high above Incline Village and with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Other Tahoe National Forest destinations are various corniced ridges and traverses adjacent to the popular local ski resorts of Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Sugar Bowl. Read more about our [[02. Areas Patrolled|Patrol Areas]] in the Patrol Manual.
[[Image:Emptyday.jpg|thumb|right|Another day on patrol in the Tahoe National Forest.]]

The [http://beacon.tbsp.org/events/pub TBSP patrol season] is more than 40 weekend days from mid-December through mid-April. All patrol days are on weekends, with a few three-day weekends on federal holidays. A typical patrol day begins at 8:30am and ends before sunset (about 5:00pm).

=== HOW TO JOIN ===

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol is always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic winter backcountry lovers to join the patrol. TBSP is in search of folks willing to learn a new set of skills or two, while spending their weekends serving skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers that venture out into the mountains of northern Lake Tahoe. We invite anyone interested in learning more about backcountry ski patrolling to join us on a [[SkiAlong]] this season. Keep an eye out for our trail head signs and white crosses the next time you're out earning your turns!

Prospective candidates should sign up for an [http://oectools.org Outdoor Emergency Care] course in their area. The classes are usually held at different times of the year, from late spring to late November, however enrollment capacity is limited and it is strongly suggested that people sign up as soon as the course is announced.

To request a SkiAlong, please fill out the form at [http://www.tbsp.org/skialong www.tbsp.org/skialong]

== Patrol Requirements ==

Patrollers are required to participate in a total of (10) days a year, which includes a fall OEC/Operations refresher (two days), a one-day On-the-hill refresher in December, and seven additional days of regular patrol duty. All these days are on weekends. Many members put in additional days simply because they enjoy the experience. Others get patrol day credit whenever they help as an instructor on a training day. Incentives and/or prizes are often awarded to those who volunteer extra days.

New candidates must satisfy the following requirements to attain patroller status. The minimum commitment is 12 days the first year, and 8 days during subsequent seasons, in addition to the 120 hour OEC course.

# Successful completion of the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course, a comprehensive first aid course developed by the National Ski Patrol (NSP) specifically for ski patrollers and other outdoor rescuers.
# Current certification in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or American Heart Association equivalent).
# NSP Avalanche Level 1 for the Professional Rescuer or AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and participation in TBSP Field days (3 days).
# NSP Advanced Mountain Travel and Rescue, Level 2. (5 days: 1 classroom, 2 overnight snowcamping, 2 on-snow trainings).
# NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol for TBSP (1 classroom and 4 patrol days, including at least 16 hours of backcountry OEC skill enhancements and instruction in TBSP policies and protocols).
# Be a patroller in Good Standing, i.e. signed up for the appropriate number of days. This will require between 1 and 5 days spent shadowing a regular patrol during your candidate year.
# Successful completion of the final candidate skills evaluation on the snow.

Candidates without OEC are encouraged to join the patrol and may get their certifications in Avalanche and MTR prior to taking the OEC course. The OEC Courses fill up quickly, and you are encouraged to sign up for OEC in the early spring.

=== Medical and Training Requirements ===

# All candidates must pass the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course taught by volunteer National Ski Patrol instructors. This course is taught in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Area, the Reno/Lake Tahoe area and Modesto each year at various times from June through November. Fees range anywhere from $60 to $450. Starting the year after you complete the OEC course, you must attend an annual OEC refresher each fall hosted by our patrol. Normally, there is no charge for these refreshers.
# Candidates who are currently certified EMTs, paramedics, nurses, or doctors may be able to "challenge" the OEC course but must still take the practical course final. More information on this course challenge may be provided.
# All candidates must be certified in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association equivalent). Appropriate CPR courses are sometimes offered in conjunction with OEC courses, but not always. However, suitable courses are available through your local chapter of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. These certifications must be renewed annually (typically a 4-hour course) and there is a fee.
# Four of the training days are devoted to OEC training in the snow, during which the principles learned in the OEC course are applied in realistic conditions, on the snow. Candidates learn TBSP-specific OEC skills such as a webbing-strapped backboard and use of a Kendrick Traction Device (KTD).
# As a candidate, you are required to take the NSP Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering courses, both of which are taught by TBSP. Upon completion, you will receive NSP certification in these two disciplines. In Basic Avalanche training you will attend classroom and field sessions in which you will learn snow science and avalanche fundamentals, dig snow pits and use transceivers or beacons. In Basic Mountaineering training (which for TBSP's purposes includes material beyond the NSP requirements), you will attend classroom and field sessions including a mandatory overnight in the snow. Topics include emergency fire building and shelter construction, use of white-gas stoves, use of map and compass and map coordinate systems, radio communications, construction and use of rescue toboggans, low-angle rope rescue techniques, field repairs of equipment, knots, helicopter procedures, limited search and rescue techniques, equipment cache utilization, and incident leadership. The Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering training days are partially combined, for a total of eight days, of which 1½ are in a classroom and 6½ are in the field.
# By the time you are fully trained, you should be able to competently handle any backcountry emergency. The one-day, scenario-based, final OEC examination on the snow, which all candidates must complete successfully to become patrollers, will require you to use most of the skills learned in your training.

=== Transfer Patrollers ===
As transfer candidates all come with very different backgrounds, we try to tailor the transfer program for each
incoming patroller. At a minimum, we require NSP certifications in Avalanche 1 and Advanced Mountain Travel and Rescue. Transferring patrollers with these certifications can take the patroller examination and get certified in February of their transfer year; if you are lacking these certifications, please plan to take the courses through TBSP.

=== Skiing Ability ===

Candidates must be able to ski proficiently at a strong intermediate or better level on backcountry equipment (telemark, AT, or splitboard) in varying conditions. For freeheel skiers, a strong telemark turn is desirable but not required. We patrol in both intermediate and advanced backcountry terrain, and candidates will be assigned to terrain matched to their skiing ability. A ski test will be held in the spring prior to, or the winter of their candidate year to assess all candidates' abilities. Proficiency requirements are defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix E: Proficiency Requirements]].

=== Required Equipment ===

Our backcountry ski patrols travel around 6-10 miles of cross country and 1500-2000' of elevation gain and loss on a typical patrol day. We recommend sturdy downhill skis with AT or telemark bindings, or a split board. We regret that we cannot accomodate NNN or "cross country" skis on patrol.

Please consult the Patrol Manual for a complete listing of required equipment, including required avalanche equipment, that you will be expected to bring: [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

=== Dues and Candidate Fees ===

TBSP patrollers pay annual membership dues. For the 2012-2013 season, these dues are $92.00. Dues can be paid online at http://beacon.tbsp.org/dues/pay Instructions to pay by check are posted there as well. Candidates must be registered with the patrol before they can access this site.

In their first season, candidates must pay an additional fee. This training fee of $160 covers the Avalanche and Mountain Travel & Rescue instruction and texts, the use or purchase of TBSP Patroller's Manual, a training equipment use fee, and a patroller's pin which will be awarded upon successful completion of candidate training and service. All fees are due by mid-November, prior to the season start. There is a late registration fee of $10 assessed after this date. Upon receipt of the payment, candidates are sent the manual and training texts in preparation for the fall training courses.

Training begins Nov 10 in order to allow candidates to complete required reading and homework. Candidates who sign up after November 10 are invited to come along for shadow patrol days but may not be able to take all the trainings.

== Benefits ==

TBSP Patrollers are entitled to certain benefits, including medical coverage and equipment discounts.

=== Medical Benefits ===

The U.S. Forest Service provides candidates and patrollers with worker's compensation medical benefits for injuries suffered while engaged in field training or patrolling. By comparison very few alpine patrols are offered such benefits.

=== Equipment Discounts ===

Patrollers in good standing (but not candidates) may be eligible for particular outdoor equipment discounts. Equipment must be for the member's personal use, and must be purchased through the Patrol. Discounts vary by manufacturer and item. We normally place orders once a year.

=== Benefits of National Ski Patrol Membership ===

As a member of the National Ski Patrol System, you will be eligible to purchase items from the NSP catalogue, many of which are offered at a discount. You will also receive a subscription to Ski Patrol magazine; each issue is full of informative articles on first aid and emergency care, skiing techniques, and more.

__NOTOC__

Appendix S: Patrol Recruiting

2012-12-09T00:54:24Z

GregMarsden: /* Patrol Recruiting */

== Patrol Recruiting ==

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol is in search of eager candidates interested in join the patrol.

=== Ski Along With Us ===

[[Image:Markrip.jpg|thumb|right|300px|TBSP Patroller rips the powder on the East slope of Castle.]] The best way to get to know Tahoe Backcountry? Ski Along with us! TBSP invites members of the public interested in joining the patrol to come for a "Ski-Along" day during any regular Castle Peak patrol days.

Ski Along requests are subject to the discretion of the Mountain Manager. We are able to provide Ski Alongs to prospective patrol candidates on most days when we patrol, but request at least 5 days notice for prospective ski along candidates.

=== How to arrange for a Ski Along ===

Ski Alongs should be requested by filling out the form at [http://www.tbsp.org/skialong www.tbsp.org/skialong]. Ski Alongs must be requested at least 5 days in advance.

* Guests are required to sign a liability waiver prior to patrolling with TBSP [http://farwest.org/DocumentLibrary/NSP-FWDEventLiabilityReleaseForm071008.pdf NSP Event Release Form] from the [http://farwest.org/?page=DocumentLibrary/index.htm NSP Document Library]. Blank copies are also found in the Ops trailer black box. File these in the Patrol Reports binder.
* The guest must supply their full name, mailing address and phone number to the Mountain Manager.
** The Mountain Manager should forward this information to the [http://beacon.tbsp.org/users/index?status=91 TNF Forest Service Liaison]
* '''By Friday morning''': The Mountain Manager must forward the guest's full name and mailing address to the Tahoe National Forest contact. On the email copy recruiter@tbsp.org and operations@tbsp.org.
* No more than two guests may visit with TBSP on any Ski-Along day.
* NSP members are encouraged to come out for a ski-along

=== Ski-Along Procedure ===
* Guests will patrol at Castle Peak, and only with a regular patrol team (not training, instruction, or “Challenging Terrain”).
* A guest may not bring or invite any other person (or dog) on patrol with TBSP, the only exception being for avalanche rescue dogs which are owned and have been trained by the guest.
* On the assigned patrol day, a guest shall meet TBSP at the Equipment Shed at 8:30 AM.
* A guest shall be expected to ski the same distance, duration, and terrain as the TBSP team, which may on occasion exceed six miles, 2000 feet of climbing, and 2000 feet of descent, with up to black-diamond difficulty, and any snow conditions, for a full day. It is the responsibility of the guest to be familiar with, and prepared for, such an effort.
* A guest will be accompanied by a radio-carrying TBSP patroller (to be assigned by the Team Leader) at all times while on patrol.
* Guests are not allowed to provide medical assistance, regardless of guest experience. TBSP patrollers shall take leadership of all incidents.
* Time (typically 30 – 60 minutes) will be provided as a lunch break.
* Return to the equipment shed typically occurs by shortly after sunset, but this is not guaranteed.
* Upon return to the TBSP Patrol Operations Center, all loaned equipment must be returned to TBSP in as good a condition as it was loaned out. Equipment to be returned may include avalanche transceivers, probe poles, ensolite foam pads, shovels, pack crosses, and Sno-Park permits. Report any lost or damaged equipment immediately to the Patrol Leader.
* TBSP’s patrolling season is roughly mid-December to third week of April, weekends only.

=== Required Personal Equipment ===

Accompanying a backcountry ski patrol will require 6-10 miles of cross country and 1500-2000' of elevation gain and loss, and your equipment should be capable of doing this. We recommend sturdy downhill skis with AT or telemark bindings, or a split board. We regret that we cannot accomodate NNN or "cross country" skis on patrol.

Please consult the Patrol Manual for a complete listing of required equipment, including required avalanche equipment, that you will be expected to bring: [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

== Candidate Training ==

New members of TBSP pass through a candidate program before becoming members of the patrol. As part of this process, you will be certified in:
* NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol
* NSP Avalanche for the Professional Rescuer (Avalanche Level 1)
* NSP Advanced Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR Level 2)

This training program can be completed in either one or two seasons:
* Candidates who complete the NSP Outdoor Emergency Care certification (medical course) before beginning the candidate program may take all three courses in a single season.
* Candidates who have not completed the NSP OEC certification before beginning the candidate program may take the Avalanche and Mountaineering courses in their first season, in addition to participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will be allowed into the Intro to Ski Patrol course in their second season, after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* It is also occasionally possible for qualified candidates to join the training program after the season has begun. These midseason candidates may take the Avalanche course in their first season, as well as participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will finish the training in their second season after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* We also welcome patrollers transferring to our patrol. Transfer patrollers with appropriate NSP certification can be waivered out of the MTR and Avalanche courses but are expected to participate in the ISP course during their candidate season.

Current certification in two-rescuer CPR (Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent) is a prerequisite for all candidates.
{{PatrolManual}}

Appendix S: Patrol Recruiting

2012-12-09T00:52:10Z

GregMarsden:

== Patrol Recruiting ==

TBSP is always looking for eager candidates to join the patrol. The more patrollers we have available on a given day, the larger the area we are capable of assisting.

=== Going for a ski along ===

[[Image:Markrip.jpg|thumb|right|300px|TBSP Patroller rips the powder on the East slope of Castle.]] SkiAlongs are the best way to get to know the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. TBSP invites members of the public who may be interested in joining the patrol to come for a "Ski-Along" day during any regular Castle Peak patrol days.

Ski Along requests are subject to the discretion of the Mountain Manager. We are able to provide Ski Alongs to prospective patrol candidates on most days when we patrol, but request at least 5 days notice for prospective ski along candidates.

=== How to arrange for a Ski Along ===

Ski Alongs should be requested by filling out the form at [http://www.tbsp.org/skialong www.tbsp.org/skialong]. Ski Alongs must be requested at least 5 days in advance.

* Guests are required to sign a liability waiver prior to patrolling with TBSP [http://farwest.org/DocumentLibrary/NSP-FWDEventLiabilityReleaseForm071008.pdf NSP Event Release Form] from the [http://farwest.org/?page=DocumentLibrary/index.htm NSP Document Library]. Blank copies are also found in the Ops trailer black box. File these in the Patrol Reports binder.
* The guest must supply their full name, mailing address and phone number to the Mountain Manager.
** The Mountain Manager should forward this information to the [http://beacon.tbsp.org/users/index?status=91 TNF Forest Service Liaison]
* '''By Friday morning''': The Mountain Manager must forward the guest's full name and mailing address to the Tahoe National Forest contact. On the email copy recruiter@tbsp.org and operations@tbsp.org.
* No more than two guests may visit with TBSP on any Ski-Along day.
* NSP members are encouraged to come out for a ski-along

=== Ski-Along Procedure ===
* Guests will patrol at Castle Peak, and only with a regular patrol team (not training, instruction, or “Challenging Terrain”).
* A guest may not bring or invite any other person (or dog) on patrol with TBSP, the only exception being for avalanche rescue dogs which are owned and have been trained by the guest.
* On the assigned patrol day, a guest shall meet TBSP at the Equipment Shed at 8:30 AM.
* A guest shall be expected to ski the same distance, duration, and terrain as the TBSP team, which may on occasion exceed six miles, 2000 feet of climbing, and 2000 feet of descent, with up to black-diamond difficulty, and any snow conditions, for a full day. It is the responsibility of the guest to be familiar with, and prepared for, such an effort.
* A guest will be accompanied by a radio-carrying TBSP patroller (to be assigned by the Team Leader) at all times while on patrol.
* Guests are not allowed to provide medical assistance, regardless of guest experience. TBSP patrollers shall take leadership of all incidents.
* Time (typically 30 – 60 minutes) will be provided as a lunch break.
* Return to the equipment shed typically occurs by shortly after sunset, but this is not guaranteed.
* Upon return to the TBSP Patrol Operations Center, all loaned equipment must be returned to TBSP in as good a condition as it was loaned out. Equipment to be returned may include avalanche transceivers, probe poles, ensolite foam pads, shovels, pack crosses, and Sno-Park permits. Report any lost or damaged equipment immediately to the Patrol Leader.
* TBSP’s patrolling season is roughly mid-December to third week of April, weekends only.

=== Required Personal Equipment ===

Accompanying a backcountry ski patrol will require 6-10 miles of cross country and 1500-2000' of elevation gain and loss, and your equipment should be capable of doing this. We recommend sturdy downhill skis with AT or telemark bindings, or a split board. We regret that we cannot accomodate NNN or "cross country" skis on patrol.

Please consult the Patrol Manual for a complete listing of required equipment, including required avalanche equipment, that you will be expected to bring: [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

== Candidate Training ==

New members of TBSP pass through a candidate program before becoming members of the patrol. As part of this process, you will be certified in:
* NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol
* NSP Avalanche for the Professional Rescuer (Avalanche Level 1)
* NSP Advanced Mountain Travel and Rescue (MTR Level 2)

This training program can be completed in either one or two seasons:
* Candidates who complete the NSP Outdoor Emergency Care certification (medical course) before beginning the candidate program may take all three courses in a single season.
* Candidates who have not completed the NSP OEC certification before beginning the candidate program may take the Avalanche and Mountaineering courses in their first season, in addition to participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will be allowed into the Intro to Ski Patrol course in their second season, after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* It is also occasionally possible for qualified candidates to join the training program after the season has begun. These midseason candidates may take the Avalanche course in their first season, as well as participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will finish the training in their second season after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* We also welcome patrollers transferring to our patrol. Transfer patrollers with appropriate NSP certification can be waivered out of the MTR and Avalanche courses but are expected to participate in the ISP course during their candidate season.

Current certification in two-rescuer CPR (Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent) is a prerequisite for all candidates.
{{PatrolManual}}

Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment

2012-12-09T00:48:11Z

GregMarsden:

== Required Equipment for Patrollers, Candidates and Guests ==

Patrollers and guests (visiting patrollers and ski-along recruits) are required to have the following personal equipment when on patrol.

Patrollers and guests should have familiarity with their equipment before taking it out on patrol, and to be able to use this equipment independently. Regardless of experience level, don't use a patrol day as a day to try out new equipment for the first time. Take reasonable precautions to keep your equipment current and in good repair; inexperience and poor gear is a liability for other users and for your fellow patrollers.

=== Downhill Travel ===

A typical Tahoe Backcountry patrol day includes 6-10 miles of over-snow travel, with 1500-2000' of elevation gain and loss. Sturdy downhill ski equipment is required. Properly fitted climbing skins are required. Adjustable poles are required for everyone, including snowboarders.

* Recommended Bindings
** Telemark binding with "free pivot" touring mode (recommended)
** AT or Dynafit binding (recommended)
** Touring Compatible Freeride Binding (recommended)
** Splitboard with internal and external metal edges
** Telemark Binding without tour mode

Snowshoes, edge-less approach skis, and edge-less splitboards: Efficient backcountry travel requires working as a team to break trail. Snowshoers and edgeless approach ski users often have a hard time using a skin track broken by skiers and end up having to break their own trail. These devices are highly discouraged for use on patrol, but may be acceptable under specific circumstances. Get approval from the mountain manager ahead of time if using such devices.

The following equipment is not permitted on patrol:
* NNN bindings - Unable to keep up with downhill travel required by patrols.
* Skate or Classic Nordic Skis - there are no groomed trails in the backcountry, and this equipment is not efficient for breaking trail
* Alpine Trekker or similar "Free heel Adapter" - Can be uncomfortable or fail under long distance travel.

=== Pack ===
The backpack itself should be large enough to accommodate the items mentioned below and approximately one-third of the [[Modular Equipment]] carried by patrollers. Packs must have a volume of at least 25 liters; appropriate size will depend on your size and how you accommodate cold weather. Enough capacity to carry the equipment on this list, your personal gear (lunch, water, etc.) and a few items of patrol gear. A Dana Designs Bomb Pack is a good example of the size and type of pack many patrollers use. Packs should have attachment points for carrying skis or snowboards.

=== Avalanche Equipment ===
Patrollers, candidates and guests are required to have this equipment even if they lack specific training in its use. Patrol can supply loaner equipment of avalanche gear.
# Avalanche Transciever: Each member must have a transceiver by the beginning of the second year on patrol. Patrol can supply loaners.
# Avalanche Probe: 250-300cm breakdown avalanche probe. Convertible ski pole/probes are not an appropriate substitute.
# Snow Shovel: Snow shovel with a metal blade. Lexan shovels are highly discouraged.

=== Navigation and Survival Equipment ===
# Map: [[Maps]] of the area being patrolled. At minimum, a USGS 7.5 quad of Norden.
# Compass: preferably one which automatically adjusts for declination such as the Silva Ranger Type 15CL or Suunto MC 1D Professional. An integrated clinometer is also helpful for slope angle measurements.
# Water: At least one liter of water for personal use and to assist patients or dehydrated skiers. If sharing your bottle with others is distasteful, carry two smaller bottles, or a cup.
# Food: Your lunch, power bars, etc. Emergency food for patients is found in the Stove Module. See [[Appendix B: Patrol Equipment Modules]]
# Ensolite Pad: For sitting on during breaks. Should be 3/4 length or full length.
# Headlamp
# Knife, whistle, waterproof matches/fire starter
# P-cord (length of parachute cord)
# plastic bags or WAG bag for human waste disposal

=== Clothing ===
Use jacket, bibs, poncho, etc. for layering and weatherproofing yourself. These features are recommended:
# Armpit zips for comfort and excess heat removal
# Pants permitting maximum range of leg motion
# Sufficient number of layers to permit comfort in all environmental conditions

== Required Equipment for Patrollers and Candidates ==
This section describes required equipment for Patrollers and Candidates. Guests and Ski Alongs do not need to carry this equipment.

=== Individual First Aid Kit ===
Because much of the first-aid equipment we carry is contained in the Trauma Module described in [[Modular Equipment]], the individual patroller's first aid kit is limited to the following, which should be contained in a small organized kit such as those obtainable from Outdoor Research or Adventure Medical:
* 1 CPR mask
* 1 space blanket
* 6 4in x 4in non-stick sterile dressings
* 2 4" Kling bandages
* 2 2" Kling bandages
* 2 Kotex pads
* several pair of latex examination gloves in your size
* 4 cravats
* assorted band-aids
* betadine swabs
* handi-wipes
* penlight
* 2-3 large safety pins
* several small plastic bags
* 1 zippered case for contents. The patrol offers both the OR zippered case and the contents for sale at wholesale cost.

=== Survival: Tarp ===
A small tarp with grommets for keeping patients warm and dry. REI sells one for about $10.

=== Personal Sled Hauling and Rope Rescue Kit ===

Equipment for pulling the portable sled and running the rope kit. The patrol offers this item at wholesale cost.

* 16-18 feet of 1" tubular webbing (for a swami belt harness)
* 20' of 6 or 7mm perlon (for haul or tail rope)
* 2 locking carabiners (to attach rope to sled and swami belt)
* Prusik cord for personal belay
* small stuff sack for above items

== Required Equipment for Candidate Training and Patrol Refreshers ==

=== Splint ===
One SAM splint for OEC training. SAM splints for patient use are found in the Trauma Module (part of [[Modular Equipment]]).

{{PatrolManual}}

Appendix S: Patrol Recruiting

2012-12-09T00:44:15Z

GregMarsden: /* Required Personal Equipment */

== Patrol Recruiting ==

TBSP is always looking for eager candidates to join the patrol. The more patrollers we have available on a given day, the larger the area we are capable of assisting.

=== Going for a ski along ===

[[Image:Markrip.jpg|thumb|right|300px|TBSP Patroller rips the powder on the East slope of Castle.]] SkiAlongs are the best way to get to know the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. TBSP invites members of the public who may be interested in joining the patrol to come for a "Ski-Along" day during any regular Castle Peak patrol days.

Ski Along requests are subject to the discretion of the Mountain Manager. We are able to provide Ski Alongs to prospective patrol candidates on most days when we patrol, but request at least 5 days notice for prospective ski along candidates.

=== How to arrange for a Ski Along ===

Ski Alongs should be requested by filling out the form at [http://www.tbsp.org/skialong www.tbsp.org/skialong]. Ski Alongs must be requested at least 5 days in advance.

* Guests are required to sign a liability waiver prior to patrolling with TBSP [http://farwest.org/DocumentLibrary/NSP-FWDEventLiabilityReleaseForm071008.pdf NSP Event Release Form] from the [http://farwest.org/?page=DocumentLibrary/index.htm NSP Document Library]. Blank copies are also found in the Ops trailer black box. File these in the Patrol Reports binder.
* The guest must supply their full name, mailing address and phone number to the Mountain Manager.
** The Mountain Manager should forward this information to the [http://beacon.tbsp.org/users/index?status=91 TNF Forest Service Liaison]
* '''By Friday morning''': The Mountain Manager must forward the guest's full name and mailing address to the Tahoe National Forest contact. On the email copy recruiter@tbsp.org and operations@tbsp.org.
* No more than two guests may visit with TBSP on any Ski-Along day.
* NSP members are encouraged to come out for a ski-along

=== Ski-Along Procedure ===
* Guests will patrol at Castle Peak, and only with a regular patrol team (not training, instruction, or “Challenging Terrain”).
* A guest may not bring or invite any other person (or dog) on patrol with TBSP, the only exception being for avalanche rescue dogs which are owned and have been trained by the guest.
* On the assigned patrol day, a guest shall meet TBSP at the Equipment Shed at 8:30 AM.
* A guest shall be expected to ski the same distance, duration, and terrain as the TBSP team, which may on occasion exceed six miles, 2000 feet of climbing, and 2000 feet of descent, with up to black-diamond difficulty, and any snow conditions, for a full day. It is the responsibility of the guest to be familiar with, and prepared for, such an effort.
* A guest will be accompanied by a radio-carrying TBSP patroller (to be assigned by the Team Leader) at all times while on patrol.
* Guests are not allowed to provide medical assistance, regardless of guest experience. TBSP patrollers shall take leadership of all incidents.
* Time (typically 30 – 60 minutes) will be provided as a lunch break.
* Return to the equipment shed typically occurs by shortly after sunset, but this is not guaranteed.
* Upon return to the TBSP Patrol Operations Center, all loaned equipment must be returned to TBSP in as good a condition as it was loaned out. Equipment to be returned may include avalanche transceivers, probe poles, ensolite foam pads, shovels, pack crosses, and Sno-Park permits. Report any lost or damaged equipment immediately to the Patrol Leader.
* TBSP’s patrolling season is roughly mid-December to third week of April, weekends only.

=== Required Personal Equipment ===

Coming along as a guest on a backcountry ski patrol day requires 6-10 miles of cross country and 1500-2000' of elevation gain and loss. You should have sturdy downhill skis with AT or telemark bindings. Snowboarders should consider demoing a splitboard, but be aware that you will be required to be able to assemble and disassemble this equipment on your own. We regret that we cannot accomodate NNN or "cross country" skis on patrol.

Please consult the Patrol Manual for a complete listing of required equipment, including avalanche equipment: [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

== Candidate Training ==

New members of TBSP pass through a candidate program before becoming members of the patrol. As part of this process, you will be certified in:
* NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol
* NSP Avalanche 1 for the Professional Rescuer
* NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue Level 1

This training program can be completed in either one or two seasons:
* Candidates who complete the NSP Outdoor Emergency Care certification (medical course) before beginning the candidate program may take all three courses in a single season.
* Candidates who have not completed the NSP OEC certification before beginning the candidate program may take the Avalanche and Mountaineering courses in their first season, in addition to participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will be allowed into the Intro to Ski Patrol course in their second season, after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* It is also occasionally possible for qualified candidates to join the training program after the season has begun. These midseason candidates may take the Avalanche course in their first season, as well as participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will finish the training in their second season after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* We also welcome patrollers transferring to our patrol. Transfer patrollers can be waived out of the MTR and Avalanche courses but are expected to participate in the ISP course during their candidate season.

A current certification in two-rescuer CPR (Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent) is a prerequisite for all candidates.
{{PatrolManual}}

Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment

2012-12-09T00:38:37Z

GregMarsden:

== Required Equipment for Patrollers, Candidates and Guests ==

Patrollers and guests (visiting patrollers and ski-along recruits) are required to have the following personal equipment when on patrol.

=== Downhill Travel ===

A typical Tahoe Backcountry patrol day includes 6-10 miles of over-snow travel, with 1500-2000' of elevation gain and loss. Sturdy downhill ski equipment is required. Properly fitted climbing skins are required.

* Recommended Bindings
** Telemark binding with "free pivot" touring mode (recommended)
** AT or Dynafit binding (recommended)
** Touring Compatible Freeride Binding (recommended)
** Splitboard with internal and external metal edges
** Telemark Binding without tour mode

Snowshoes, edge-less approach skis, and edge-less splitboards: Efficient backcountry travel requires working as a team to break trail. Snowshoers and edgeless approach ski users often have a hard time using a skin track broken by skiers and end up having to break their own trail. These devices are highly discouraged for use on patrol, but may be acceptable under specific circumstances. Get approval from the mountain manager ahead of time if using such devices.

The following equipment is not permitted on patrol:
* NNN bindings - Unable to keep up with downhill travel required by patrols.
* Skate or Classic Nordic Skis - there are no groomed trails in the backcountry, and this equipment is not efficient for breaking trail
* Alpine Trekker or similar "Free heel Adapter" - Can be uncomfortable or fail under long distance travel.

=== Pack ===
The backpack itself should be large enough to accommodate the items mentioned below and approximately one-third of the [[Modular Equipment]] carried by patrollers. Packs must have a volume of at least 25 liters; appropriate size will depend on your size and how you accommodate cold weather. Enough capacity to carry the equipment on this list, your personal gear (lunch, water, etc.) and a few items of patrol gear. A Dana Designs Bomb Pack is a good example of the size and type of pack many patrollers use. Packs should have attachment points for carrying skis or snowboards.

=== Avalanche Equipment ===
Patrollers, candidates and guests are required to have this equipment even if they lack specific training in its use. Patrol can supply loaner equipment of avalanche gear.
# Avalanche Transciever: Each member must have a transceiver by the beginning of the second year on patrol. Patrol can supply loaners.
# Avalanche Probe: 250-300cm breakdown avalanche probe. Convertible ski pole/probes are not an appropriate substitute.
# Snow Shovel: Snow shovel with a metal blade. Lexan shovels are highly discouraged.

=== Navigation and Survival Equipment ===
# Map: [[Maps]] of the area being patrolled. At minimum, a USGS 7.5 quad of Norden.
# Compass: preferably one which automatically adjusts for declination such as the Silva Ranger Type 15CL or Suunto MC 1D Professional. An integrated clinometer is also helpful for slope angle measurements.
# Water: At least one liter of water for personal use and to assist patients or dehydrated skiers. If sharing your bottle with others is distasteful, carry two smaller bottles, or a cup.
# Food: Your lunch, power bars, etc. Emergency food for patients is found in the Stove Module. See [[Appendix B: Patrol Equipment Modules]]
# Ensolite Pad: For sitting on during breaks. Should be 3/4 length or full length.
# Headlamp
# Knife, whistle, waterproof matches/fire starter
# P-cord (length of parachute cord)
# plastic bags or WAG bag for human waste disposal

=== Clothing ===
Use jacket, bibs, poncho, etc. for layering and weatherproofing yourself. These features are recommended:
# Armpit zips for comfort and excess heat removal
# Pants permitting maximum range of leg motion
# Sufficient number of layers to permit comfort in all environmental conditions

== Required Equipment for Patrollers and Candidates ==
This section describes required equipment for Patrollers and Candidates. Guests and Ski Alongs do not need to carry this equipment.

=== Individual First Aid Kit ===
Because much of the first-aid equipment we carry is contained in the Trauma Module described in [[Modular Equipment]], the individual patroller's first aid kit is limited to the following, which should be contained in a small organized kit such as those obtainable from Outdoor Research or Adventure Medical:
* 1 CPR mask
* 1 space blanket
* 6 4in x 4in non-stick sterile dressings
* 2 4" Kling bandages
* 2 2" Kling bandages
* 2 Kotex pads
* several pair of latex examination gloves in your size
* 4 cravats
* assorted band-aids
* betadine swabs
* handi-wipes
* penlight
* 2-3 large safety pins
* several small plastic bags
* 1 zippered case for contents. The patrol offers both the OR zippered case and the contents for sale at wholesale cost.

=== Survival: Tarp ===
A small tarp with grommets for keeping patients warm and dry. REI sells one for about $10.

=== Personal Sled Hauling and Rope Rescue Kit ===

Equipment for pulling the portable sled and running the rope kit. The patrol offers this item at wholesale cost.

* 16-18 feet of 1" tubular webbing (for a swami belt harness)
* 20' of 6 or 7mm perlon (for haul or tail rope)
* 2 locking carabiners (to attach rope to sled and swami belt)
* Prusik cord for personal belay
* small stuff sack for above items

== Required Equipment for Candidate Training and Patrol Refreshers ==

=== Splint ===
One SAM splint for OEC training. SAM splints for patient use are found in the Trauma Module (part of [[Modular Equipment]]).

{{PatrolManual}}

Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment

2012-12-09T00:32:33Z

GregMarsden:

== Required Equipment for Patrollers, Candidates and Guests ==

Patrollers and guests (visiting patrollers and ski-along recruits) are required to have the following personal equipment when on patrol.

=== Downhill Travel ===

A typical Tahoe Backcountry patrol day includes 6-10 miles of over-snow travel, with 1500-2000' of elevation gain and loss. Sturdy downhill ski equipment is required. Properly fitted climbing skins are required.

* Recommended Bindings
** Telemark binding with "free pivot" touring mode (recommended)
** AT or Dynafit binding (recommended)
** Touring Compatible Freeride Binding (recommended)
** Sturdy and Reliable Splitboard
** Telemark Binding without tour mode

The following equipment is not recommended but may be used in some circumstances:
* Snowshoes - efficient backcountry travel requires working as a team to break trail. Snowshoers often have a hard time using a skin track broken by skiers and will have to break their own trail.

The following equipment is not permitted on patrol:
* NNN bindings
* Alpine Trekker or similar "Free heel Adapter"
* Waxless Cross-Country Skis

=== Pack ===
The backpack itself should be large enough to accommodate the items mentioned below and approximately one-third of the [[Modular Equipment]] carried by patrollers. Packs must have a volume of at least 25 liters; appropriate size will depend on your size and how you accommodate cold weather. Enough capacity to carry the equipment on this list, your personal gear (lunch, water, etc.) and a few items of patrol gear. A Dana Designs Bomb Pack is a good example of the size and type of pack many patrollers use. Packs should have attachment points for carrying skis or snowboards.

=== Avalanche Equipment ===
Patrollers, candidates and guests are required to have this equipment even if they lack specific training in its use. Patrol can supply loaner equipment of avalanche gear.
# Avalanche Transciever: Each member must have a transceiver by the beginning of the second year on patrol. Patrol can supply loaners.
# Avalanche Probe: 250-300cm breakdown avalanche probe. Convertible ski pole/probes are not an appropriate substitute.
# Snow Shovel: Snow shovel with a metal blade. Lexan shovels are highly discouraged.

=== Navigation and Survival Equipment ===
# Map: [[Maps]] of the area being patrolled. At minimum, a USGS 7.5 quad of Norden.
# Compass: preferably one which automatically adjusts for declination such as the Silva Ranger Type 15CL or Suunto MC 1D Professional. An integrated clinometer is also helpful for slope angle measurements.
# Water: At least one liter of water for personal use and to assist patients or dehydrated skiers. If sharing your bottle with others is distasteful, carry two smaller bottles, or a cup.
# Food: Your lunch, power bars, etc. Emergency food for patients is found in the Stove Module. See [[Appendix B: Patrol Equipment Modules]]
# Ensolite Pad: For sitting on during breaks. Should be 3/4 length or full length.
# Headlamp
# Knife, whistle, waterproof matches/fire starter
# P-cord (length of parachute cord)
# plastic bags or WAG bag for human waste disposal

=== Clothing ===
Use jacket, bibs, poncho, etc. for layering and weatherproofing yourself. These features are recommended:
# Armpit zips for comfort and excess heat removal
# Pants permitting maximum range of leg motion
# Sufficient number of layers to permit comfort in all environmental conditions

== Required Equipment for Patrollers and Candidates ==
This section describes required equipment for Patrollers and Candidates. Guests and Ski Alongs do not need to carry this equipment.

=== Individual First Aid Kit ===
Because much of the first-aid equipment we carry is contained in the Trauma Module described in [[Modular Equipment]], the individual patroller's first aid kit is limited to the following, which should be contained in a small organized kit such as those obtainable from Outdoor Research or Adventure Medical:
* 1 CPR mask
* 1 space blanket
* 6 4in x 4in non-stick sterile dressings
* 2 4" Kling bandages
* 2 2" Kling bandages
* 2 Kotex pads
* several pair of latex examination gloves in your size
* 4 cravats
* assorted band-aids
* betadine swabs
* handi-wipes
* penlight
* 2-3 large safety pins
* several small plastic bags
* 1 zippered case for contents. The patrol offers both the OR zippered case and the contents for sale at wholesale cost.

=== Survival: Tarp ===
A small tarp with grommets for keeping patients warm and dry. REI sells one for about $10.

=== Personal Sled Hauling and Rope Rescue Kit ===

Equipment for pulling the portable sled and running the rope kit. The patrol offers this item at wholesale cost.

* 16-18 feet of 1" tubular webbing (for a swami belt harness)
* 20' of 6 or 7mm perlon (for haul or tail rope)
* 2 locking carabiners (to attach rope to sled and swami belt)
* Prusik cord for personal belay
* small stuff sack for above items

== Required Equipment for Candidate Training and Patrol Refreshers ==

=== SPLINTS ===
One SAM splint for OEC training. SAM splints for patient use are found in the Trauma Module (part of [[Modular Equipment]]).

{{PatrolManual}}

Training Videos

2011-12-16T20:10:03Z

GregMarsden: /* Backcountry OEC */

= Videos for training =

This page is for posting videos, both made by TBSP and those not made by TBSP! This is intended to be a resource for our candidates.

== Navigation ==
== Shelters and Survival ==

== Snow Cave ==
<videoflash>XOJQPz1s-1c</videoflash>

== Backcountry OEC ==
*Pitching a Megamid over a patient
<videoflash>jY3Y7hcUAhE&fmt=22</videoflash>

*HypoWrap (video by WMI trainers)
<videoflash>uxOXBE_R3EY</videoflash>

*How to remove Spider Straps (video by WMI trainers)
<videoflash>9NCyRiCvqJA</videoflash>

*Brooks Range Sled Tips and Tricks
<videoflash>5n9G0LLaVVI</videoflash>

== Rope Systems and Anchors ==

= How to Post Videos =
Edit this page and post your own videos!
=== Youtube ===
Original url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lhyH5TsuPg
Wiki code:

<pre>
<videoflash>4lhyH5TsuPg</videoflash>
</pre>

=== GoogleVideo ===
Original url: http://video.google.it/videoplay?docid=1811233136844420765

Wiki code:

<pre>
<videoflash type="googlevideo">1811233136844420765</videoflash>
</pre>

= Future Plans =

== Rope Rescue ==

# Discussion of components, How it comes out of the bag
##Switching from Raising to Lowering System
# Anchors
## BFT
## T-Slot
## Anchor selection (fall line, other considerations)
## Pickets
## Cordelette
# OEC Procedures
## Getting patient onto belay
## Hasty harness for patients
## Attaching patient to mainline
## Attaching mainline to sled
# Mainline
## Flaking
## attaching to anchor
# Belay line
## Anchoring and considerations
## Rescuer belay vs patient belay
# Raising and Lowering
## Taking up slack on belay line
## Repacking

== Complex Scenarios ==
# CHP Rescue Helicopter Capabilities
## Bauman Bag
## Rescue Sling
## Diaper Sling
# Non Helicopter Rescue
# Rope Rescue with Trauma - consider filming on drainages above castle meadow

== Emergency Sleds ==

# Construction
# Transport

== Medical ==

# Ensolite quick-splint
# Ski-Pole Traction Device

== Orienteering and Navigation ==

# Grid coordinates
## 6-digit UTM coordinates
## lat/long scaler
# bearings
# resectioning
## Using the compass to obtain bearings

== Emergency Shelter ==
# Megamid
## Introduction
## Foot method
## Side Method
## Repacking
## In-Snow Setup
# Trench Shelter
## Excavation
## Rigging Tarp
## Creating the roof

Training Videos

2011-12-16T20:09:02Z

GregMarsden: Video Training moved to Training Videos

= Videos for training =

This page is for posting videos, both made by TBSP and those not made by TBSP! This is intended to be a resource for our candidates.

== Navigation ==
== Shelters and Survival ==

== Snow Cave ==
<videoflash>XOJQPz1s-1c</videoflash>

== Backcountry OEC ==
*Pitching a Megamid over a patient
<videoflash>jY3Y7hcUAhE&fmt=22</videoflash>

*HypoWrap (video by WMI trainers)
<videoflash>uxOXBE_R3EY</videoflash>

*How to remove Spider Straps (video by WMI trainers)
<videoflash>9NCyRiCvqJA</videoflash>

== Rope Systems and Anchors ==

= How to Post Videos =
Edit this page and post your own videos!
=== Youtube ===
Original url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lhyH5TsuPg
Wiki code:

<pre>
<videoflash>4lhyH5TsuPg</videoflash>
</pre>

=== GoogleVideo ===
Original url: http://video.google.it/videoplay?docid=1811233136844420765

Wiki code:

<pre>
<videoflash type="googlevideo">1811233136844420765</videoflash>
</pre>

= Future Plans =

== Rope Rescue ==

# Discussion of components, How it comes out of the bag
##Switching from Raising to Lowering System
# Anchors
## BFT
## T-Slot
## Anchor selection (fall line, other considerations)
## Pickets
## Cordelette
# OEC Procedures
## Getting patient onto belay
## Hasty harness for patients
## Attaching patient to mainline
## Attaching mainline to sled
# Mainline
## Flaking
## attaching to anchor
# Belay line
## Anchoring and considerations
## Rescuer belay vs patient belay
# Raising and Lowering
## Taking up slack on belay line
## Repacking

== Complex Scenarios ==
# CHP Rescue Helicopter Capabilities
## Bauman Bag
## Rescue Sling
## Diaper Sling
# Non Helicopter Rescue
# Rope Rescue with Trauma - consider filming on drainages above castle meadow

== Emergency Sleds ==

# Construction
# Transport

== Medical ==

# Ensolite quick-splint
# Ski-Pole Traction Device

== Orienteering and Navigation ==

# Grid coordinates
## 6-digit UTM coordinates
## lat/long scaler
# bearings
# resectioning
## Using the compass to obtain bearings

== Emergency Shelter ==
# Megamid
## Introduction
## Foot method
## Side Method
## Repacking
## In-Snow Setup
# Trench Shelter
## Excavation
## Rigging Tarp
## Creating the roof

Video Training

2011-12-16T20:09:02Z

GregMarsden: Video Training moved to Training Videos

#REDIRECT [[Training Videos]]

Training Videos

2011-12-16T20:08:43Z

GregMarsden: Multimedia Training moved to Video Training

= Videos for training =

This page is for posting videos, both made by TBSP and those not made by TBSP! This is intended to be a resource for our candidates.

== Navigation ==
== Shelters and Survival ==

== Snow Cave ==
<videoflash>XOJQPz1s-1c</videoflash>

== Backcountry OEC ==
*Pitching a Megamid over a patient
<videoflash>jY3Y7hcUAhE&fmt=22</videoflash>

*HypoWrap (video by WMI trainers)
<videoflash>uxOXBE_R3EY</videoflash>

*How to remove Spider Straps (video by WMI trainers)
<videoflash>9NCyRiCvqJA</videoflash>

== Rope Systems and Anchors ==

= How to Post Videos =
Edit this page and post your own videos!
=== Youtube ===
Original url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lhyH5TsuPg
Wiki code:

<pre>
<videoflash>4lhyH5TsuPg</videoflash>
</pre>

=== GoogleVideo ===
Original url: http://video.google.it/videoplay?docid=1811233136844420765

Wiki code:

<pre>
<videoflash type="googlevideo">1811233136844420765</videoflash>
</pre>

= Future Plans =

== Rope Rescue ==

# Discussion of components, How it comes out of the bag
##Switching from Raising to Lowering System
# Anchors
## BFT
## T-Slot
## Anchor selection (fall line, other considerations)
## Pickets
## Cordelette
# OEC Procedures
## Getting patient onto belay
## Hasty harness for patients
## Attaching patient to mainline
## Attaching mainline to sled
# Mainline
## Flaking
## attaching to anchor
# Belay line
## Anchoring and considerations
## Rescuer belay vs patient belay
# Raising and Lowering
## Taking up slack on belay line
## Repacking

== Complex Scenarios ==
# CHP Rescue Helicopter Capabilities
## Bauman Bag
## Rescue Sling
## Diaper Sling
# Non Helicopter Rescue
# Rope Rescue with Trauma - consider filming on drainages above castle meadow

== Emergency Sleds ==

# Construction
# Transport

== Medical ==

# Ensolite quick-splint
# Ski-Pole Traction Device

== Orienteering and Navigation ==

# Grid coordinates
## 6-digit UTM coordinates
## lat/long scaler
# bearings
# resectioning
## Using the compass to obtain bearings

== Emergency Shelter ==
# Megamid
## Introduction
## Foot method
## Side Method
## Repacking
## In-Snow Setup
# Trench Shelter
## Excavation
## Rigging Tarp
## Creating the roof

Multimedia Training

2011-12-16T20:08:43Z

GregMarsden: Multimedia Training moved to Video Training

#REDIRECT [[Video Training]]

Main Page

2011-04-06T19:21:16Z

GregMarsden:

__NOTOC__
''' Welcome to TBSPedia '''

== Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol ==

[[Image:TBSP 2007.jpg|thumb|320px|right|TBSP at our 2007 Operations Refresher]]

;[[About TBSP| About Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol]]: Learn more about the patrol and our activities.
;[[TBSP Introduction| Join the Patrol]]: Introduction to the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol! Instructions for prospective candidates.
;[[Press and Media| TBSP in the News]]: News articles and press clippings about Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[SkiAlong|Ski-Along]]: Schedule an on-the-snow introduction to backcountry patrolling.

== Resources ==
;[[PatrolManual|Patrol Manual]]:Read up on the policies and protocols of the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[Current conditions]]: Links for up to date weather, traffic and avalanche information.
;[[Miscellaneous]]: Links for physical conditioning, tree-well immersion, etc.
;[[Simple GPS route to Peter Grubb Hut]]: http://wiki.tbsp.org/PGH_Route
== Avalanche Class links ==
;[[Dry Gulch 12/5/2010]]: http://avalanche.state.co.us/acc/accidents_co.php

== About the Patrol==
A short slideshow about TBSP Patrols and Search and Rescue!
<videoflash>jgx0w4yJiL4</videoflash>

== Information for Patrollers ==
;[[Search And Rescue]]: Information and Signup Instructions for the Search and Rescue Team.
;[[Boreal Patrol]]: Instructions for your Boreal day.
;[[Hobart Chalet]]: Chalet instructions for this year.
;[[Avalanche Related Resources]]: Links about avalanche stuff.
;[[Operations - things to fix]]: Bulletin board for posting items needing attention, or volunteering to fix it!.

Learn about wikis: [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Tutorial_%28Formatting%29 Quick Start instructions from wikipedia]], [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing a full tutorial on using wikis]], and [[How to upload files]].

Appendix K: Boreal Patrol

2011-01-31T20:33:46Z

GregMarsden:

=== Overview, Boreal Mountain Resort Protocols ===

;Boreal Patrol Requirement:All TBSP patrollers are required to sign-up and complete one day of ski patrol at Boreal Mountain Resort. Candidates do not sign-up for Boreal ski patrol days.Boreal days are part of a mutual relationship between Boreal Mountain and TBSP, where our patrollers regularly help out with patient volume on their mountain, and TBSP patrollers get the opportunity to work resort incidents.
;Availability:Sign-up days correspond to the Boreal NSP patrol schedule and include weekends and midweek days during holidays. Available days include days outside of the normal TBSP patrol schedule. The Boreal season begins earlier and ends earlier than the TBSP season and the NSP schedule includes extra days during Thanksgiving, Christmas-New Year holiday, and national holidays.
;Cancellation:If you need to cancel your Boreal day, follow internal TBSP procedure for changing your schedule. Do not inform Boreal.
;Questions or feedback about Boreal:Contact the TBSP-Boreal liaison by sending email to [mailto:inter-patrol@tbsp.org inter-patrol@tbsp.org]
;TBSP Vests:NSP red and black vests are REQUIRED during your Boreal exchange. ''''There are three NSP patrol vests owned by TBSP that are stored in the First Aid Room in the patient restroom closet.''''

=== Protocol ===
Boreal NSP reminds TBSP that these are shadow days, and that TBSP patrollers should not be on the hill without a Boreal patroller. Stay with your assigned buddy at all times while in uniform.

'''Check-in'''
# Arrive at the Boreal First Aid Room fully dressed and in ski or snowboard boots no later then 8:15 AM. Wear a standard red or red and black ski patrol vest or parka with white cross and name tag and carry a stocked first aid belt or first aid supplies in vest pockets.
# If you bring your skis/snowboard to the First Aid room, leave them in the outside rack. Do not leave skis against the building or on snow near the entrance.
# Introduce yourself to the NSP Hill Captain for the day. The Hill Captain’s name can be found at the top of the personnel board, listed as “520”.
# Signing in: a) Sign your name in the Boreal NSP Binder & add "TBSP" to your name. b) Sign your name on the personnel board on one of the numbered lines (#5- -), best below the regular Boreal patrollers, with the byline next to your name that reads “TBSP” and the name of the Boreal NSP patroller with whom you will partner for the day. Do not sign for a shift in Standby and you do not need to sign for a lunch time. These times will be determined by your Boreal patrol partner.
# Write the call numbers and names for everyone on patrol that day on a "patrol card" (small paper card available at check-in) or on your own paper.
# Take a radio. It should be set to channel one. At some time after you get on the hill with your Boreal partner, ask him or her to review Boreal radio usage in the event you get separated and have to call your partner. The communication format is the same as with TBSP: PTT button & hold momentarily, <call name/number you are calling> <your call number>
# The Hill Captain will assign the TBSP patroller with a Boreal patroller for the day. You are free to partner with other Boreal patrollers during the day if your assigned partner is agreeable to the change.
'''On-the-Hill'''
# You will not require a lift ticket, because you will be wearing a NSP vest or jacket (no exceptions).
# You can purchase food in the cafeteria at a 50% discount if accompanied by a regular Boreal patroller who will have an employee card to be swiped for the discount.
# The TBSP patroller shadows and assists the Boreal ski patrol in responding to incidents on the hill. Primarily, the purpose is for TBSP to have experience responding to injuries, however, the patroller will probably accompany Boreal ski patrol to help with routine mountain safety (trail openings and closures, preparation of toboggons) and on other incidents such as controlling public who are engaging in dangerous activity (e.g., walking on frozen ponds, sledding on ski trails, skiing out of control), public who need non-injury transport (e.g., unable to ski or ride down the hill due to fear or lack of ski ability).
# In responding to injured skiers, riders, the TBSP patroller may assist in assessment and treatment and loading the patient for transportation. The patroller may also follow the patient to the First Aid Room and observe or provide additional assistance for treatment and may help Boreal Ski Patrol or the nurse with information they need to complete the Incident Report forms.
# The TBSP patroller will not participate in the following: responding to incidents injury or non-injury without being accompanied by a Boreal ski patrol, pulling toboggans or handling the tail rope, carrying toboggans uphill on the lift, and completing Incident Reports or other official Boreal forms. This is in addition to other restrictions that may be given by the Patrol Director or the Hill Captain. Although TBSP wears a radio, this is not an invitation to patrol unaccompanied or to communicate by radio at will. Rather it is intended as an opportunity for TBSP to be aware of events on the mountain and to use to contact his or her partner in the event they become separated or to use in an emergancy.
# The TBSP patroller may re-stock supplies that were used from the TBSP first aid belt with equivalent supplies from the First Aid Room. Do not take extra supplies.
# It is up to the TBSP patroller to follow these do's and don'ts. Do not expect Boreal patrollers to know your role and do not follow instructions by any patroller to go against TBSP protocol unless directed by the Boreal Pro Patrol director.
'''Check-out'''
# At the end of the patrol day, you will sign out of the login binder and store TBSP ski patrol vest in its proper location.
# Normally, the Hill-Captain will tell patrollers when they are excused. Please wait for an official word that you may leave. Sometimes patrollers are asked to correct incident reports and other forms at the end of the day.

{{PatrolManual}}

Search Protocols

2011-01-25T00:47:38Z

GregMarsden: New page: == TBSAR / MJKSAR SEARCH PROTOCOLS == This document is intended to provide general guidelines and protocols for TBSAR searchers to use while performing search and rescue operations. These...

== TBSAR / MJKSAR SEARCH PROTOCOLS ==

This document is intended to provide general guidelines and protocols for TBSAR searchers to use while performing search and rescue operations. These are recommendations and should be tailored to fit individual situations, search grids, and conditions.

=== HOW TO SEARCH EFFICIENTLY ===

* Skis are efficient for downhill travel, and no more efficient than snowshoes for sidehill or contour travel.
* Breaking trail should be done as a group, there is no efficiency to having all individuals breaking their own trail.
* Breaking trail while sidehilling is the worst.

Keep this in mind when deploying for searches. The same grid area which can take hours to cover via sidehilling can be searched in a fraction of the time following these methods.

* Identify the highest contour line in your search area
* Choose a compass bearing and travel distance and communicate this to each searcher
* Organize searchers along the highest contour line
* Ski downward or in a zig-zag pattern in your search area, following compass bearings to retain group spacing
* Regroup at the bottom and breaking a trail back to the top of the next portion of the search area
* Find victim

=== FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ===

* How do I assess Probability of Discovery?

Probability of Discovery (PoD) is an art form refined through training and experience. You are expected to render a PoD judgement for a responsive patient scenario and an unresponsive patient scenario. Err on the side of caution.

* What tracks and when do they need to be reported to IC?

Use good judgement when reporting tracks to IC. The tracks should be a single set and matching the subject's description (boots, ski, snowshoe, etc). Try not to report other searchers' tracks.

* What spacing for searchers?

Searcher spacing is very terrain, weather, and condition dependent. With megaphones and light wind on a clear day, searchers can be spaced up to 100m apart. Night searches will require closer spacing, down to about 30m.

* Using sound clues for searching?

Often search teams can end up yelling at each other. To prevent this, be sure to listen longer than you are shouting. Shout no more than 5 seconds at a time, and listen for more than 30 seconds.

* What gear should we carry on SAR missions?

Check with IC about expectations for transport and potential overnights when checking in. Rememeber that helicopters can be grounded at very short notice, so if your team is tasked to travel out 12 miles and be picked up by heli, the aircraft may not be able to fly and perform the extraction.

* Why do my skins fall off?

It is very common for searcher's skins to fall off while searching. This is because searching relies on far more contouring and on skinned-downhill-travel than most skins are designed for; night searches are particularly notorious for searchers losing skins. In general, do not bring new or lightly tested gear to a search, bring the gear you know works so you don't become a victim.

During night searches, follow your skin manufacturer's recommendations and keep your skins inside your jacket when you are not using them!

* Can I talk to my team on the IC channel (CLEMARS, SAR, WHITEFIRE, etc)?

Use the local TBSP channel to talk within your team. Use the IC channel only to communicate with IC.

* How do I get in touch with IC if my radio won't connect to them?

Get your IC's cell phone number before you start searching!

* Expectation what to do when you find somebody? How about if deceased?

Alive: Treat as an OEC incident.

Not alive: Do not mention the find over the radio. Follow sheriff's briefing, or if there is no briefing, request a sheriff's deputy to your location. Deceased individuals will be treated as potential crime scene, and it's important to keep the scene as you found it and to keep additional searchers away unless necessary for logistical purposes.

Patrol Reminder

2011-01-10T17:48:16Z

GregMarsden:

%% COMMENT Automatically becomes the Patrol Reminder. Lines which begin with two # characters are MACROS %%

Dear Patrollers,
You are scheduled to patrol on the following dates.

== Hobart Work Center Update ==
The key box for the barracks is on the BACK of the living chalet in Hobart. The key box is on the front of the operations trailer still. The water is only on in the living chalet.

You are responsible for your own trash at Hobart (in both chalets). Please practice "leave no trace" at Hobart!

== Scheduled Patrols ==
Your Mountain Manager contact details:
%% MMINFO %%
Chalet Phone: (530) 587-3244

%% SCHEDULE %%

== Patroller Instructions ==

DROPPING DAYS:
If you cannot patrol, you must find a replacement and contact your mountain
manager. You can drop patrol days on the web site until 24 hours before your
patrol. If you must cancel within 24 hours, you must call the Chalet and leave
a message at 530-587-3244.

BOREAL PATROLLERS: Read this for important updates: http://wiki.tbsp.org/Boreal_Patrol

MOUNTAIN MANAGER INSTRUCTIONS:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/Mountain_Manager - Your responsibilities as Mountain Manager.
1. Print out the attendance roster from http://beacon.tbsp.org/managers/view
2. You are responsible for the quality of your Patrol Reports,
please review before signing off.
3. FILE YOUR PATROL REPORTS ONLINE. Your patrollers will NOT get credit for
their days patrolled until your Manager Report is submitted online!
Thanks for serving as Mountain Manager!

STAY UP TO DATE: Have any operational updates? Add them to this weekly reminder by visiting:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/index.php?title=Patrol_Reminder

See you on the hill!

TBSP Operations
operations@tbsp.org
http://beacon.tbsp.org

Patrol Reminder

2011-01-10T16:29:55Z

GregMarsden:

%% COMMENT Automatically becomes the Patrol Reminder. Lines which begin with two # characters are MACROS %%

Dear Patrollers,
You are scheduled to patrol on the following dates.

== OPERATIONS UPDATES ==

=== RADIO USAGE ===
Grass Valley has requested that each patrol team sign in up to two patrollers
by call sign and the remainder as additional patrollers. Also, if part of a
patrol team has to sign out early, communicate to GV that the remainder of the
team is remaining in service in the patrol area.

== HOBART ==
The key box for the barracks is on the BACK of the living chalet in Hobart. The key box is on the front of the operations trailer still. The water is only on in the living chalet.

You are responsible for your own trash at Hobart (in both chalets). Please practice "leave no trace" at Hobart!

== Keeping Up to Date ==

Have any operational updates? Add them to this weekly reminder by visiting:

http://wiki.tbsp.org/index.php?title=Patrol_Reminder

== Scheduled Patrols ==
Your Mountain Manager contact details:
%% MMINFO %%
Chalet Phone: (530) 587-3244

%% SCHEDULE %%

== Patroller Instructions ==

DROPPING DAYS:
If you cannot patrol, you must find a replacement and contact your mountain
manager. You can drop patrol days on the web site until 24 hours before your
patrol. If you must cancel within 24 hours, you must call the Chalet and leave
a message at 530-587-3244.

BOREAL PATROLLERS: Read this for important updates: http://wiki.tbsp.org/Boreal_Patrol

MOUNTAIN MANAGER INSTRUCTIONS:
http://wiki.tbsp.org/Mountain_Manager - Your responsibilities as Mountain Manager.
1. Print out the attendance roster from http://beacon.tbsp.org/managers/view
2. You are responsible for the quality of your Patrol Reports,
please review before signing off.
3. FILE YOUR PATROL REPORTS ONLINE. Your patrollers will NOT get credit for
their days patrolled until your Manager Report is submitted online!
Thanks for serving as Mountain Manager!

See you on the hill!

TBSP Operations
operations@tbsp.org
http://beacon.tbsp.org

Maps

2010-11-19T23:29:51Z

GregMarsden:

Order folded, waterproof maps of our patrol areas from mytopo.com!

* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569685688 Castle Peak Patrol Area] map. We also have a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=560886BF87 Peter Grubb centered topo] as well.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569771368 Pole Creek] map.
* Order a [http://www.mytopo.com/review.cfm?pid=tahoeskipatrol&mytopoid=2569829E71 Tahoe Meadows] map.

=== Important waypoints ===
A spreadsheet of important waypoints (Helicopter LZ and Caches) can be found [http://docs.tbsp.org/view.php?fDocumentId=43 in document repository].

=== GPS Topo Maps ===

Do you have a Garmin GPS?

"A very detailed (20ft contours) topographic map that includes roads and water features and a few trails as well for the entire state of California. This is a release of Laura's map that allows for a MapSource install so older Garmin units can use the maps and so it can be combined with other maps." http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/28/

Several internet resources offer pre-made topographic maps of California. These maps are built from freely available USGS Hydrological and topographic surveys. This link provides 1:24000 topo maps for all of california: http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/maps/view/28/
Other resources for making DIY garmin maps: http://reidster.net/garmin/ and http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/index.php/Mkgmap

Main Page

2010-10-30T00:25:54Z

GregMarsden: /* Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol */

__NOTOC__
''' Welcome to TBSPedia '''

== Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol ==

[[Image:TBSP 2007.jpg|thumb|320px|right|TBSP at our 2007 Operations Refresher]]

;[[About TBSP| About Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol]]: Learn more about the patrol and our activities.
;[[TBSP Introduction| Join the Patrol]]: Introduction to the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol! Instructions for prospective candidates.
;[[Press and Media| TBSP in the News]]: News articles and press clippings about Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[SkiAlong|Ski-Along]]: Schedule an on-the-snow introduction to backcountry patrolling.

== Resources ==
;[[PatrolManual|Patrol Manual]]:Read up on the policies and protocols of the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol.
;[[Current conditions]]: Links for up to date weather, traffic and avalanche information.
;[[Miscellaneous]]: Links for physical conditioning, tree-well immersion, etc.

== Information for Patrollers ==
;[[Search And Rescue]]: Information and Signup Instructions for the Search and Rescue Team.
;[[Boreal Patrol]]: Instructions for your Boreal day.
;[[Hobart Chalet]]: Chalet instructions for this year.
;[[Avalanche Related Resources]]: Links about avalanche stuff.
;[[Operations - things to fix]]: Bulletin board for posting items needing attention, or volunteering to fix it!.

Learn about wikis: [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Tutorial_%28Formatting%29 Quick Start instructions from wikipedia]], [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing a full tutorial on using wikis]], and [[How to upload files]].

Press and Media

2010-10-30T00:24:13Z

GregMarsden: /* 2010 */

TBSP In the News!

== 2010 ==
* March 2, 2010: TBSP involved in a search for a missing snowshoer in the Castle area:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100304/NEWS/100304008/1003/CARSON/Searchers-looking-for-man-missing-while-snowshoeing-in-Donner-Summit-area

* Article about the search and rescue published in the Summer issue of Ski Patrol Magazine: [PDF] [file:http://wiki.tbsp.org/images/c/cb/SkiPatrolMagazine-Summer2010-DonnerSummit.pdf]

== 2008 ==

http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/backcountry_ski_patrol.php

Interview with ex-Director Mark in skiingthebackcountry.com magazine. 12/09/08

== 2006 ==
Reno Gazette Journal, Tahoe Meadows Outreach events

== 2002 ==
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1135726&sc=emaf

All Things Considered, January 2, 2002 · Increasing numbers of skiers are heading into the wilderness for fresh powder and backcountry adventure. But many are unprepared for the rigors and dangers of the winter wilderness. From member station KQED, Cy Musiker reports.

Press and Media

2010-10-30T00:11:46Z

GregMarsden: /* 2010 */

TBSP In the News!

== 2010 ==
TBSP gets a mention in the search for a missing snowshoer in the Castle area.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100304/NEWS/100304008/1003/CARSON/Searchers-looking-for-man-missing-while-snowshoeing-in-Donner-Summit-area

* Article in Ski Patrol Magazine: http://www.nsp.org/ PDF: [file:http://wiki.tbsp.org/images/c/cb/SkiPatrolMagazine-Summer2010-DonnerSummit.pdf]

== 2008 ==

http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/backcountry_ski_patrol.php

Interview with ex-Director Mark in skiingthebackcountry.com magazine. 12/09/08

== 2006 ==
Reno Gazette Journal, Tahoe Meadows Outreach events

== 2002 ==
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1135726&sc=emaf

All Things Considered, January 2, 2002 · Increasing numbers of skiers are heading into the wilderness for fresh powder and backcountry adventure. But many are unprepared for the rigors and dangers of the winter wilderness. From member station KQED, Cy Musiker reports.

File:SkiPatrolMagazine-Summer2010-DonnerSummit.pdf

2010-10-30T00:10:54Z

GregMarsden: Ski Patrol Magazine TBSP Article

Ski Patrol Magazine TBSP Article

Press and Media

2010-10-30T00:08:12Z

GregMarsden: /* 2010 */

TBSP In the News!

== 2010 ==
TBSP gets a mention in the search for a missing snowshoer in the Castle area.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100304/NEWS/100304008/1003/CARSON/Searchers-looking-for-man-missing-while-snowshoeing-in-Donner-Summit-area

* Article in Ski Patrol Magazine: http://www.nsp.org/

== 2008 ==

http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/backcountry_ski_patrol.php

Interview with ex-Director Mark in skiingthebackcountry.com magazine. 12/09/08

== 2006 ==
Reno Gazette Journal, Tahoe Meadows Outreach events

== 2002 ==
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1135726&sc=emaf

All Things Considered, January 2, 2002 · Increasing numbers of skiers are heading into the wilderness for fresh powder and backcountry adventure. But many are unprepared for the rigors and dangers of the winter wilderness. From member station KQED, Cy Musiker reports.

TBSP Introduction

2010-10-27T17:44:16Z

GregMarsden: Add candidate application form

The Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service provides information and assistance for backcountry travelers in the Tahoe National Forest and Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. TBSP also provides community education, basic and advanced avalanche and mountain travel/rescue training for ski patrollers, and winter Search and Rescue services in Northern California. Join us on patrol!

=== Where and when we patrol ===
Most of our patrolling takes place in California's Tahoe National Forest in the Castle Peak area north of Donner Summit and on the Pacific Crest Trail. It's the most popular destination that we patrol, not just among backcountry skiers and snowboarders, but also a fair number of snowshoers on their way to spend the day or overnight at the Sierra Club's [http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/huts/grubb.asp Peter Grubb Hut]. Our primary patrol destination in Nevada is the Tahoe Meadows area and its neighboring wilderness zones near Mount Rose, high above Incline Village and with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Other Tahoe National Forest destinations are various corniced ridges and traverses adjacent to the popular local ski resorts of Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Sugar Bowl. Read more about our [[02. Areas Patrolled|Patrol Areas]] in the Patrol Manual.
[[Image:Emptyday.jpg|thumb|right|Another day on patrol in the Tahoe National Forest.]]

The [http://beacon.tbsp.org/events/pub TBSP patrol season] is more than 40 weekend days from mid-December through mid-April. All patrol days are on weekends, with a few three-day weekends on federal holidays. A typical patrol day begins at 8:30am and ends before sunset (about 5:00pm).

=== HOW TO JOIN ===

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol is always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic winter backcountry lovers to join the patrol. TBSP is in search of folks willing to learn a new set of skills or two, while spending their weekends serving skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers that venture out into the mountains of northern Lake Tahoe. We invite anyone interested in learning more about backcountry ski patrolling to join us on a [SkiAlong] this season. Keep an eye out for our trail head signs and white crosses the next time you're out earning your turns!

If you are interested in joining the patrol, join us for a [[SkiAlong]] on selected weekends and spend a day with TBSP on patrol. In mid April, we host "Introduction to Ski Patrol", a one-day introductory on-the-snow event in the Castle Peak area. The event will include a ski test in addition to a presentation on backcountry safety, a demonstration of patrol emergency response, and opportunities for questions and answers. Attend our Introduction to Ski Patrol day or contact the recruiter for more information recruiter@tbsp.org.

Prospective candidates should sign up for an [http://oectools.org Outdoor Emergency Care] course in their area. The classes are usually held at different times of the year, from late spring to late November, however enrollment capacity is limited and it is strongly suggested that people sign up as soon as the course is announced.

== Patrol Requirements ==

Patrollers are required to participate in a total of (10) days a year, which includes a fall OEC/Operations refresher (two days), a one-day On-the-hill refresher in December, and seven additional days of regular patrol duty. All these days are on weekends. Many members put in additional days simply because they enjoy the experience. Others get patrol day credit whenever they help as an instructor on a training day. Incentives and/or prizes are often awarded to those who volunteer extra days.

New candidates must satisfy the following requirements to attain patroller status. The minimum commitment is 12 days the first year, and 8 days during subsequent seasons, in addition to the 120 hour OEC course.

# Successful completion of the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course, a comprehensive first aid course developed by the National Ski Patrol (NSP) specifically for ski patrollers and other outdoor rescuers.
# Current certification in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or American Heart Association equivalent).
# NSP Avalanche Level 1 for the Professional Rescuer and participation in TBSP Field days (3 days).
# NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue, Level 1. (3 days: 1 classroom, 2 overnight snowcamping).
# NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol for TBSP (1 classroom and 4 patrol days, including at least 16 hours of backcountry OEC skill enhancements and instruction in TBSP policies and protocols).
# Be a patroller in Good Standing, i.e. signed up for the appropriate number of days. This will require between 1 and 5 days spent shadowing a regular patrol during your candidate year.
# Successful completion of the final candidate skills evaluation on the snow.

Candidates without OEC are encouraged to join the patrol and may get their certifications in Avalanche and MTR prior to taking the OEC course. The OEC Courses fill up quickly, and you are encouraged to sign up for OEC in the early spring.

=== Medical and Training Requirements ===

# All candidates must pass the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course taught by volunteer National Ski Patrol instructors. This course is taught in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Area, the Reno/Lake Tahoe area and Modesto each year at various times from June through November. Fees range anywhere from $60 to $450. Starting the year after you complete the OEC course, you must attend an annual OEC refresher each fall hosted by our patrol. Normally, there is no charge for these refreshers.
# Candidates who are currently certified EMTs, paramedics, nurses, or doctors may be able to "challenge" the OEC course but must still take the practical course final. More information on this course challenge may be provided.
# All candidates must be certified in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association equivalent). Appropriate CPR courses are sometimes offered in conjunction with OEC courses, but not always. However, suitable courses are available through your local chapter of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. These certifications must be renewed annually (typically a 4-hour course) and there is a fee.
# Four of the training days are devoted to OEC training in the snow, during which the principles learned in the OEC course are applied in realistic conditions, on the snow. Candidates learn TBSP-specific OEC skills such as a webbing-strapped backboard and use of a Kendrick Traction Device (KTD).
# As a candidate, you are required to take the NSP Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering courses, both of which are taught by TBSP. Upon completion, you will receive NSP certification in these two disciplines. In Basic Avalanche training you will attend classroom and field sessions in which you will learn snow science and avalanche fundamentals, dig snow pits and use transceivers or beacons. In Basic Mountaineering training (which for TBSP's purposes includes material beyond the NSP requirements), you will attend classroom and field sessions including a mandatory overnight in the snow. Topics include emergency fire building and shelter construction, use of white-gas stoves, use of map and compass and map coordinate systems, radio communications, construction and use of rescue toboggans, low-angle rope rescue techniques, field repairs of equipment, knots, helicopter procedures, limited search and rescue techniques, equipment cache utilization, and incident leadership. The Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering training days are partially combined, for a total of eight days, of which 1½ are in a classroom and 6½ are in the field.
# By the time you are fully trained, you should be able to competently handle any backcountry emergency. The one-day, scenario-based, final OEC examination on the snow, which all candidates must complete successfully to become patrollers, will require you to use most of the skills learned in your training.

=== Skiing Ability ===

Candidates must be able to ski proficiently at a strong intermediate or better level on backcountry equipment (telemark, backcountry touring, or randonee) in a variety of conditions. For freeheel skiers, a strong telemark turn is desirable but not required. We patrol in both intermediate and advanced backcountry terrain, and candidates will be assigned to terrain matched to their skiing ability. A ski test will be held in the spring prior to, or the winter of their candidate year to assess all candidates' abilities. We are now beginning to accept backcountry snowboarders as candidates, based on ability and experience level. Snowboarders will be required to be in very good physical condition, as they must be able to keep reasonable pace with ski-bound patrollers on climbs and on the flats while on snowshoes or short skis. Proficiency requirements are defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix E: Proficiency Requirements]].

=== Required Equipment ===

Required personal equipment is defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

The following types of equipment can be used for patrolling:
* Metal-edge skis with fitted skins and either a sturdy freeheel binding, randonee binding, or alpine binding and freeheel adapter (e.g. “alpine trekker”)
** NNN-BC bindings and/or fishscale skis are strongly discouraged
* Snowboarders must bring snowshoes, short x/c skis, or “Split-Decision” type snowboards in conjunction with ski poles for moving while on flats or uphills. No walking or postholing in snowboard boots alone is allowed.
* Poles, preferably adjustable-length, ideally convertible to a probe; required for both skiers and snowboarders

=== Dues and Candidate Fees ===

TBSP patrollers pay annual membership dues. For the 2009-2010 season, these dues are $92.00. Dues can be paid online at http://www.skipatrol.org/dues/tbsp. Instructions to pay by check are posted there as well.

In their first season, candidates must pay an additional fee. This training fee of $160 covers the Avalanche and Mountain Travel & Rescue instruction and texts, the use or purchase of TBSP Patroller's Manual, a training equipment use fee, and a patroller's pin which will be awarded upon successful completion of candidate training and service. All fees are due by November 10 2009, prior to the season start. There is a late registration fee of $10 assessed after this date. Upon receipt of the payment, candidates are sent the manual and training texts in preparation for the fall training courses.

Candidates who sign up after November 10 are invited to come along for shadow patrol days but may not be invited to all trainings.

== Benefits ==

TBSP Patrollers are entitled to certain benefits, including medical coverage and equipment discounts.

=== Medical Benefits ===

The U.S. Forest Service provides candidates and patrollers with worker's compensation medical benefits for injuries suffered while engaged in field training or patrolling. By comparison very few alpine patrols are offered such benefits.

=== Equipment Discounts ===

Once you successfully complete your candidacy and pay your dues for the next season, you will be eligible for pro- form discounts on equipment. The equipment must be for the member's personal use, and must be purchased through the Patrol. Discounts vary by manufacturer and item, but we have had excellent discounts from many first-class companies, including Asolo, Merrill, Tua, Leki, Lifelink, Dana, Gregory, Lowe, Mountain Hardwear, Mountainsmith, Spyderco, NorthFace, NiteRider, MSR, Outdoor Research and others. We normally place orders twice a year.

Alternative pro-form discounts may be offered from year to year, with differing requirements on ordering method, timing, manufacturers involved, and discount offered.

=== Benefits of National Ski Patrol Membership ===

As a member of the National Ski Patrol System, you will be eligible to purchase items from the NSP catalogue, many of which are offered at a discount. You will also receive a subscription to Ski Patrol magazine; each issue is full of informative articles on first aid and emergency care, skiing techniques, and more.

== Apply now! ==

Contact [mailto:patrol@tbsp.org patrol@tbsp.org] for more information, or submit a patrol candidate application here: http://tbsp.org/application

__NOTOC__

TBSP Introduction

2010-10-27T07:18:25Z

GregMarsden: /* Where and when we patrol */ Edit to make sched public

The Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service provides information and assistance for backcountry travelers in the Tahoe National Forest and Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. TBSP also provides community education, basic and advanced avalanche and mountain travel/rescue training for ski patrollers, and winter Search and Rescue services in Northern California. Join us on patrol!

=== Where and when we patrol ===
Most of our patrolling takes place in California's Tahoe National Forest in the Castle Peak area north of Donner Summit and on the Pacific Crest Trail. It's the most popular destination that we patrol, not just among backcountry skiers and snowboarders, but also a fair number of snowshoers on their way to spend the day or overnight at the Sierra Club's [http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/huts/grubb.asp Peter Grubb Hut]. Our primary patrol destination in Nevada is the Tahoe Meadows area and its neighboring wilderness zones near Mount Rose, high above Incline Village and with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Other Tahoe National Forest destinations are various corniced ridges and traverses adjacent to the popular local ski resorts of Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Sugar Bowl. Read more about our [[02. Areas Patrolled|Patrol Areas]] in the Patrol Manual.
[[Image:Emptyday.jpg|thumb|right|Another day on patrol in the Tahoe National Forest.]]

The [http://beacon.tbsp.org/events/pub TBSP patrol season] is more than 40 weekend days from mid-December through mid-April. All patrol days are on weekends, with a few three-day weekends on federal holidays. A typical patrol day begins at 8:30am and ends before sunset (about 5:00pm).

=== HOW TO JOIN ===

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol is always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic winter backcountry lovers to join the patrol. TBSP is in search of folks willing to learn a new set of skills or two, while spending their weekends serving skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers that venture out into the mountains of northern Lake Tahoe. We invite anyone interested in learning more about backcountry ski patrolling to join us on a [SkiAlong] this season. Keep an eye out for our trail head signs and white crosses the next time you're out earning your turns!

If you are interested in joining the patrol, join us for a [[SkiAlong]] on selected weekends and spend a day with TBSP on patrol. In mid April, we host "Introduction to Ski Patrol", a one-day introductory on-the-snow event in the Castle Peak area. The event will include a ski test in addition to a presentation on backcountry safety, a demonstration of patrol emergency response, and opportunities for questions and answers. Attend our Introduction to Ski Patrol day or contact the recruiter for more information recruiter@tbsp.org.

Prospective candidates should sign up for an [http://oectools.org Outdoor Emergency Care] course in their area. The classes are usually held at different times of the year, from late spring to late November, however enrollment capacity is limited and it is strongly suggested that people sign up as soon as the course is announced.

== Patrol Requirements ==

Patrollers are required to participate in a total of (10) days a year, which includes a fall OEC/Operations refresher (two days), a one-day On-the-hill refresher in December, and seven additional days of regular patrol duty. All these days are on weekends. Many members put in additional days simply because they enjoy the experience. Others get patrol day credit whenever they help as an instructor on a training day. Incentives and/or prizes are often awarded to those who volunteer extra days.

New candidates must satisfy the following requirements to attain patroller status. The minimum commitment is 12 days the first year, and 8 days during subsequent seasons, in addition to the 120 hour OEC course.

# Successful completion of the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course, a comprehensive first aid course developed by the National Ski Patrol (NSP) specifically for ski patrollers and other outdoor rescuers.
# Current certification in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or American Heart Association equivalent).
# NSP Avalanche Level 1 for the Professional Rescuer and participation in TBSP Field days (3 days).
# NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue, Level 1. (3 days: 1 classroom, 2 overnight snowcamping).
# NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol for TBSP (1 classroom and 4 patrol days, including at least 16 hours of backcountry OEC skill enhancements and instruction in TBSP policies and protocols).
# Be a patroller in Good Standing, i.e. signed up for the appropriate number of days. This will require between 1 and 5 days spent shadowing a regular patrol during your candidate year.
# Successful completion of the final candidate skills evaluation on the snow.

Candidates without OEC are encouraged to join the patrol and may get their certifications in Avalanche and MTR prior to taking the OEC course. The OEC Courses fill up quickly, and you are encouraged to sign up for OEC in the early spring.

=== Medical and Training Requirements ===

# All candidates must pass the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course taught by volunteer National Ski Patrol instructors. This course is taught in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Area, the Reno/Lake Tahoe area and Modesto each year at various times from June through November. Fees range anywhere from $60 to $450. Starting the year after you complete the OEC course, you must attend an annual OEC refresher each fall hosted by our patrol. Normally, there is no charge for these refreshers.
# Candidates who are currently certified EMTs, paramedics, nurses, or doctors may be able to "challenge" the OEC course but must still take the practical course final. More information on this course challenge may be provided.
# All candidates must be certified in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association equivalent). Appropriate CPR courses are sometimes offered in conjunction with OEC courses, but not always. However, suitable courses are available through your local chapter of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. These certifications must be renewed annually (typically a 4-hour course) and there is a fee.
# Four of the training days are devoted to OEC training in the snow, during which the principles learned in the OEC course are applied in realistic conditions, on the snow. Candidates learn TBSP-specific OEC skills such as a webbing-strapped backboard and use of a Kendrick Traction Device (KTD).
# As a candidate, you are required to take the NSP Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering courses, both of which are taught by TBSP. Upon completion, you will receive NSP certification in these two disciplines. In Basic Avalanche training you will attend classroom and field sessions in which you will learn snow science and avalanche fundamentals, dig snow pits and use transceivers or beacons. In Basic Mountaineering training (which for TBSP's purposes includes material beyond the NSP requirements), you will attend classroom and field sessions including a mandatory overnight in the snow. Topics include emergency fire building and shelter construction, use of white-gas stoves, use of map and compass and map coordinate systems, radio communications, construction and use of rescue toboggans, low-angle rope rescue techniques, field repairs of equipment, knots, helicopter procedures, limited search and rescue techniques, equipment cache utilization, and incident leadership. The Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering training days are partially combined, for a total of eight days, of which 1½ are in a classroom and 6½ are in the field.
# By the time you are fully trained, you should be able to competently handle any backcountry emergency. The one-day, scenario-based, final OEC examination on the snow, which all candidates must complete successfully to become patrollers, will require you to use most of the skills learned in your training.

=== Skiing Ability ===

Candidates must be able to ski proficiently at a strong intermediate or better level on backcountry equipment (telemark, backcountry touring, or randonee) in a variety of conditions. For freeheel skiers, a strong telemark turn is desirable but not required. We patrol in both intermediate and advanced backcountry terrain, and candidates will be assigned to terrain matched to their skiing ability. A ski test will be held in the spring prior to, or the winter of their candidate year to assess all candidates' abilities. We are now beginning to accept backcountry snowboarders as candidates, based on ability and experience level. Snowboarders will be required to be in very good physical condition, as they must be able to keep reasonable pace with ski-bound patrollers on climbs and on the flats while on snowshoes or short skis. Proficiency requirements are defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix E: Proficiency Requirements]].

=== Required Equipment ===

Required personal equipment is defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

The following types of equipment can be used for patrolling:
* Metal-edge skis with fitted skins and either a sturdy freeheel binding, randonee binding, or alpine binding and freeheel adapter (e.g. “alpine trekker”)
** NNN-BC bindings and/or fishscale skis are strongly discouraged
* Snowboarders must bring snowshoes, short x/c skis, or “Split-Decision” type snowboards in conjunction with ski poles for moving while on flats or uphills. No walking or postholing in snowboard boots alone is allowed.
* Poles, preferably adjustable-length, ideally convertible to a probe; required for both skiers and snowboarders

== Dues and Candidate Fees ==

TBSP patrollers pay annual membership dues. For the 2009-2010 season, these dues are $92.00. Dues can be paid online at http://www.skipatrol.org/dues/tbsp. Instructions to pay by check are posted there as well.

In their first season, candidates must pay an additional fee. This training fee of $160 covers the Avalanche and Mountain Travel & Rescue instruction and texts, the use or purchase of TBSP Patroller's Manual, a training equipment use fee, and a patroller's pin which will be awarded upon successful completion of candidate training and service. All fees are due by November 10 2009, prior to the season start. There is a late registration fee of $10 assessed after this date. Upon receipt of the payment, candidates are sent the manual and training texts in preparation for the fall training courses.

The last day to sign up as a candidate for the 2009-2010 season is November 10.

== Benefits ==

TBSP Patrollers are entitled to certain benefits, including medical coverage and equipment discounts.

=== Medical Benefits ===

The U.S. Forest Service provides candidates and patrollers with worker's compensation medical benefits for injuries suffered while engaged in field training or patrolling. By comparison very few alpine patrols are offered such benefits.

=== Equipment Discounts ===

Once you successfully complete your candidacy and pay your dues for the next season, you will be eligible for pro- form discounts on equipment. The equipment must be for the member's personal use, and must be purchased through the Patrol. Discounts vary by manufacturer and item, but we have had excellent discounts from many first-class companies, including Asolo, Merrill, Tua, Leki, Lifelink, Dana, Gregory, Lowe, Mountain Hardwear, Mountainsmith, Spyderco, NorthFace, NiteRider, MSR, Outdoor Research and others. We normally place orders twice a year.

Alternative pro-form discounts may be offered from year to year, with differing requirements on ordering method, timing, manufacturers involved, and discount offered.

=== Benefits of National Ski Patrol Membership ===

As a member of the National Ski Patrol System, you will be eligible to purchase items from the NSP catalogue, many of which are offered at a discount. You will also receive a subscription to Ski Patrol magazine; each issue is full of informative articles on first aid and emergency care, skiing techniques, and more.

__NOTOC__

Candidate Training

2010-04-07T02:34:59Z

GregMarsden:

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol provides training in Mountain Travel and Rescue, Avalanche for the Professional Rescuer, and Introduction to Ski Patrol. These courses are required for candidates new to ski patrolling and recommended for patrollers transferring from other areas.

Joining the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol requires the following:
* joining the National Ski Patrol (NSP) and paying dues to the patrol
* completing the NSP Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course
* completing the NSP Avy1 and MTR1 courses

In addition:
* You are a proﬁcient backcountry skier or rider (if in doubt about your skier/riding ability, contact patrol@tbsp.org)
* You have gear for single day backcountry tours or are prepared to put together the gear and daypack for single day tours
* You have the time and are committed to completing the course and becoming a TBSP patroller

== Time commitment ==
The candidate training season is a major time commitment. For OEC trained candidates, the candidate year is 12 days; for non-OEC candidates the commitment is 8 days. The commitment for a full patroller is 8 days.

OEC trained candidates participate in patrol days and training days during the year.

* Patrol days (8 days)
** TBSP Orientation (1 day)
** 4 Intro to Ski Patrol days
** 3 Patrol Shadowing days

* Training Days (6 days)
** Basic Mountain Travel and Rescue, 3 days (1 classroom, 2 overnight field)
** Basic Avalanche for the Professional Rescuer, 3 days (1 class, 2 field days)

== Candidates without OEC ==

Candidates without OEC training are required to have a current certification in two-rescuer CPR
(Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent). Candidates without OEC are required to
do 11 training and patrol days their first season and eight patrol days their second season.

'''First season:'''

* Introduction to TBSP (Orientation day only)
* Mountain Travel and Rescue (1 day classroom, 2 day overnight)
* Avalanche Level 1 (1 classroom, 2 field days)
* Shadow Patrol Days (any 4 patrol days)

Sign ups for the Fall OEC courses typically occur in March and fill up very quickly. The OEC courses
fill up very quickly because they are shared with all other resort patrols in the Tahoe area.

The training schedule for the 2009-2010 season is as follows, plus four shadow patrol days:
* Saturday Dec 5, 2009: Mountain Travel and Rescue 1 Classroom Session
* Sunday Dec 6, 2009: Candidate Orientation (ISP 1)
* Saturday Jan 30, 2010: Avalanche 1 Classroom Session
* Sunday Jan 31, 2010: Avalanche 1 Field Session
* Saturday Feb 13, 2010: Avalanche 1 Transceiver Searches
* Saturday Mar 20, 2010: MTR Overnight
* Sunday Mar 21, 2010: MTR Overnight

'''Second season:'''

* Operations and On-The-Hill refresher
* Introduction to TBSP (5 days)
* Returning candidate final evaluation
* Patrol Days (at least 2 patrol days)

The training schedule for the 2009-2010 season is as follows, in addition to at least two patrol days:
* Sunday Oct 18, 2009: Operations Refresher
* Saturday Dec 12, 2009: On The Hill Refresher
* Sunday Dec 6, 2009: Candidate Orientation (ISP 1)
* Saturday Jan 9, 2010: Candidate Patrol (ISP 2)
* Sunday Jan 10, 2010: Candidate Patrol (ISP 3)
* Sunday Feb 14, 2010: Candidate Patrol (ISP 4)
* Saturday Feb 27, 2010: Candidate Patrol (ISP 5)
* Sunday Feb 10, 2010: Returning Candidate Final

Good luck!

== About the training ==

=== Mountain Travel and Rescue ===
* Map and Compass Exercises
** Dead reckoning
** Resectioning
** Route planning and finding
* MTR course materials

=== Introduction to TBSP ===
* Radio protocols (review of AGILE)
* Patient Access Rope System
** Lowering system
* Emergency Sled: Brooks Range Sled Construction
* Required knots
* Orienteering
* Beacon Searches (multiple burial, multiple searcher)
* Toboggan handling
* Megamid construction
* Major incident handling and coordination

=== NSP Avalanche Lev 1 ===
* Beacon Searches
* Probe searches / guidon cord
* Safe travel in backcountry terrain.
* Route selection
* Hasty pits
* Snow Surveys
* Hazard analysis

Press and Media

2010-03-10T23:55:05Z

GregMarsden:

TBSP In the News!

== 2010 ==
TBSP gets a mention in the search for a missing snowshoer in the Castle area.
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100304/NEWS/100304008/1003/CARSON/Searchers-looking-for-man-missing-while-snowshoeing-in-Donner-Summit-area

== 2008 ==

http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/backcountry_ski_patrol.php

Interview with ex-Director Mark in skiingthebackcountry.com magazine. 12/09/08

== 2006 ==
Reno Gazette Journal, Tahoe Meadows Outreach events

== 2002 ==
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1135726&sc=emaf

All Things Considered, January 2, 2002 · Increasing numbers of skiers are heading into the wilderness for fresh powder and backcountry adventure. But many are unprepared for the rigors and dangers of the winter wilderness. From member station KQED, Cy Musiker reports.

Training Officer

2010-02-25T20:29:03Z

GregMarsden:

[[Category: Officers]]

== Training Officer ==

The training officer is responsible for the training of candidates and for the upkeep of current patroller skills. The training officer also helps recruit new instructors for Patrol disciplines like OEC and Avy, and ensures proper coverage of skills. This officer is also responsible for sending out the post-instruction course evaluations to asses course quality and student learning.

== Training Officer Responsibilities ==

* Pre-season
** Plan the course calendar
** Plan what courses are being offered
** Recruit an Instructor Of Record (IOR) for each course
** Recruit patrollers who would like to become instructors
** Purchase and mail textbooks to students in November

* During the season
** Ensure a sufficient number of assistant instructors are signed up for each course
** After each course
*** Send out a course evaluation to candidates (formsite or surveymonkey)
**** Include evaluation of organization and coursework
**** Include anonymous self-assessment of new skills
* Ensure candidate evaluations are distributed and filled out

Training Officer

2010-02-25T20:28:12Z

GregMarsden:

[[Category: Officers]]

== Training Officer ==

The training officer is responsible for the training of candidates and for the upkeep of current patroller skills. The training officer also helps recruit new instructors for Patrol disciplines like OEC and Avy, and ensures proper coverage of skills. This officer is also responsible for sending out the post-instruction course evaluations to asses course quality and student learning.

== Training Officer Responsibilities ==

* Pre-season
* Plan the course calendar
* Plan what courses are being offered
* Recruit an Instructor Of Record (IOR) for each course
* Recruit patrollers who would like to become instructors
* Purchase and mail textbooks to students in November

* During the season
* Ensure a sufficient number of assistant instructors are signed up for each course
* After each course
* Send out a course evaluation to candidates (formsite or surveymonkey)
* Include evaluation of organization and coursework
* Include anonymous self-assessment of new skills
* Ensure candidate evaluations are distributed and filled out

Board Meetings

2010-02-24T18:45:42Z

GregMarsden:

== 2010 Board Meeting Calendar ==

# September 29, 2009
#* Recruiting for Leadership within the Patrol
#* Revisions to the Training Program
# December 12, 2009
# January 30, 2010
#* Start Planning for TBSP Awards Banquet
# February 27, 2010
#* Outstanding Patrol Awards
# March 27, 2010
#* If needed

Meeting agenda has been moved to google docs.

OFFICIAL TBSP BOARD MEETING ARCHIVES:
[http://docs.tbsp.org/browse.php?fFolderId=32 Official Board Meeting Minutes Archive].
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