Mountain Education’s Snow Basic Clinic is fairly non-stop, as there is so much to teach you, so after we have mastered the above, we will take a short break to re-fuel and re-hydrate, then, if there is time, head into the next clinic,

The Creek-crossing Simulation:

1. Overview of the principles, “Why” and “How” explained, and main techniques
2. S.T.O.P. = Stop, Think, Observe, Plan – what you need to do when you stand at the creekside where the summer trail crosses the creek
3. Evaluating a safe place to cross – or not!
   1. 1. You do not have to cross the creek where the summer trail does!
      2. Dry crossing (logs, boulder-hops, bush-jumps, leaps of faith)
      3. Wet crossings (wading through a whitewater, boulder-strewn creek)
         1. Steepness of slope (flat is best)
         2. Bottom of creek (flat sand is best)
         3. Width of creek (wider is better)
         4. Ease and safety of getting in and out the other side
         5. Presence of downstream “strainers”
         6. “Pushing” force of moving water
4. An overview of the various creek-crossing techniques that can be utilized for observed creek conditions and safety decisions that must be considered before and while crossing the creek (discussion):
   1. 1. 1. 1. Solo or multiple people crossing together
            2. Facing upstream or across the stream
            3. Maintaining balance with a pack
            4. Movement under pressure
            5. Freezing water, numb feet
            6. Injuries from punctures, scratches, falls
            7. Preparing to cross, footwear and waterproofing gear
            8. Anticipating the exit, dry-off, warm-up, and getting going, again
            9. Avoiding or navigating through obvious and submerged obstacles, boulders, branches, etc.
            10. Never secure a crosser with rope (reeling-in a sinker on a fishing line analogy)!
            11. The use of a high-line for security or balance (the lines move!)
            12. Protecting the short, lightweight, or weak crosser
            13. Reacting to sudden pain or loss of balance (have a plan!)
5. Simulation “Running the Gauntlet”
6. 1. 1. 1. 1. 8 students simulate the forces that bear upon a creek-crosser’s body and legs while the crosser tries to maintain their balance and get across the “creek”
            2. 8 students (or the remainder of the class) attempt to move while balanced, one at a time, between two lines of kneeling students who are pushing, poking, prodding, and lightly pulling on their feet, ankles, knees, thighs, and hips (no grabbing and holding allowed!) to roaring laughter.

Once the skills sessions are done, the class will regroup back at the packs at our lunch spot, refuel, re-hydrate, and head back to the Tram Station. The Snow Basics Clinic is officially complete! Students can head down the tram to their cars or stay topside to have dinner in the restaurant or just catch a drink at the bar and talk about how much fun they had learning about safe and wise snow-hiking!

Now, go tell all your friends!