A Canadian company has introduced a novel approach to avalanche control by utilizing drones instead of traditional methods like artillery weapons or explosives dropped from helicopters. Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) received approval from the federal government to test its SnowDart system for avalanche mitigation last year. This winter, AVSS conducted trials of this innovative technology in Jasper National Park where a drone is employed to transport an explosive payload to a mountain slope, which is then released and remotely detonated.
Josh Ogden, the co-founder of AVSS, described this drone technology as an additional tool in avalanche control strategies. In the past, Canada has utilized various methods such as 105 mm howitzer guns deployed by the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery to trigger avalanches through shockwaves. Parks Canada also employs helicopters to strategically drop explosives to induce avalanches. In certain locations, remote trigger stations are integrated into the terrain. Ogden highlighted the potential benefits of drones in inaccessible areas where traditional methods are impractical, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness compared to helicopters.
This winter saw an intense period of avalanche control efforts in Western Canada, particularly along a 43-kilometer stretch of Highway 1 in Glacier National Park, British Columbia. Due to record-breaking snowfall in December and atmospheric disturbances in March, the highway was closed for a total of 191 hours, almost eight days, compared to the usual 79 hours during an average winter.
As the use of drones expands across various industries, Ogden expressed optimism about their increasing integration into routine operations. Deryl Kelly from Parks Canada acknowledged the potential of drones in managing avalanche risk, although they are not expected to replace traditional methods entirely due to weather dependencies. AVSS plans to continue testing the SnowDart system next winter, with potential adoption by other mountainous regions in Canada.
Brian Rode, vice-president of the Marmot Basin ski resort in Jasper National Park, praised the promising outlook of utilizing drones for avalanche control. While observing the technology’s evolution and market entry, the ski resort will maintain its current practice of using explosive charges for avalanche mitigation.