A Canadian company is utilizing drones for avalanche control instead of traditional methods like artillery weapons or helicopter explosives. Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) received approval from the federal government last year to test its SnowDart system for avalanche control. This winter, AVSS conducted tests in Jasper National Park, where a drone was used to transport an explosive up a mountain and drop it onto the slope for remote detonation.
Josh Ogden, co-founder of AVSS, mentioned that drones offer an additional method for avalanche control alongside existing tools like 105 mm howitzer guns used by the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. These guns create shockwaves to trigger avalanches on mountain slopes.
In addition to drones, Parks Canada employs helicopters to strategically deploy explosives for avalanche triggering. Remote trigger stations are also built into some slopes. Ogden highlighted that drones are particularly beneficial for inaccessible areas and can be a cost-effective alternative to helicopters.
This winter saw heightened avalanche control efforts in Western Canada due to adverse weather conditions. Parks Canada faced increased highway closures on the 43-kilometer stretch of Highway 1 through Glacier National Park, with the road shut for a total of 191 hours, almost eight days. The closure surge was attributed to record snowfall in December and atmospheric conditions in March.
Looking ahead, industries are exploring drone technology for various applications beyond avalanche control. While drones may aid in managing avalanche risk, Deryl Kelly from Parks Canada emphasized that they will not replace existing tools due to weather dependencies. AVSS plans to continue testing the drone technology next winter, with potential adoption in more mountainous regions across Canada.
Brian Rode, vice-president of Marmot Basin ski resort, expressed optimism about the use of drones for avalanche control. The ski resort intends to monitor the technology’s progress and adoption in the market while continuing to utilize explosive charges for avalanche control in the interim.
