Cycling for Slides
May 26, 2012
Instructor: Paul Rappaport, M.S.
During this course we will discuss the mechanics and impact that snow avalanches have in creating and maintaining discrete avalanche slide paths. We will also entertain the ecological significance these open slopes have on indigenous flora and fauna, especially in the late spring and early summer. As we cycle along, let’s keep a watchful eye out for Harlequin ducks as well as grizzlies and black bears as they emerge from hibernation.
Meeting Time: Saturday, May 26th at 9:00 AM
Meeting Place: Avalanche Lake Trailhead Parking Area. Enter Glacier Park through the west entrance then take a right onto the Going to the Sun Road. Pass the sign for Lake McDonald Lodge and continue approximately 5.5 miles to the parking area on the left.
Food: Please bring a sack lunch, snacks, and least two quarts of water.
Equipment: Please see basic gear list. In addition, bring your bicycle, helmet and a tire patch kit and pump if you have one (just in case). The most important equipment during May in Glacier is good raingear! Check the weather report and pack accordingly. Since we will be stopping often, and not simply riding, an extra sweater or suitable layer is recommended. No blue jeans, please. We will spend a good portion of our time looking at and scoping avalanche slide paths, so binoculars are a critical piece of equipment to bring along.
Physical Requirements: Moderate biking up to 15 miles round trip along the Going to the Sun Road. Turn around point somewhere between Logan Creek and The Loop, conditions and closures permitting.
Transportation: Students must provide their own bicycles.
Weather: This course will not be canceled due to weather.
Recommended Reading:
Rockwell, David: GLACIER: A Natural History Guide
Tremper, Bruce: Staying Alive in Avalanche Country
Tentative Itinerary: We will begin with a brief introduction. From there we will take off for our bicycle journey and exploration of the upper McDonald Creek valley. The road should be open for cycling at least to Logan Creek (8 miles round trip), or perhaps to The Loop (14 mile round trip). We should return to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead to conclude the course between 3- 5PM.
Academic Credit: This course may be taken for eight Office of Public Instruction (OPI) renewal units (for teacher’s license renewal). If you wish to take an Institute course for OPI credit, you will be asked to fill out paperwork and pay a $20 credit fee at the start of your course, payable to Flathead Valley Community College.
* Please print out your course packet under product files.