A Canadian company is pioneering the use of drones for avalanche control, shifting away from traditional methods like firing artillery weapons or dropping explosives from helicopters. Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) received approval from the federal government to test its SnowDart system for avalanche management last year. This winter, AVSS successfully trialed the technology in Jasper National Park by deploying drones to transport explosives up mountains and release them onto slopes for remote detonation.
Josh Ogden, co-founder of AVSS, emphasized that drones offer a valuable addition to existing avalanche control strategies. Historically, Canada has employed various tools such as 105 mm howitzer guns, where the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery triggers controlled avalanches by firing shells onto mountain slopes.
Parks Canada also utilizes helicopters to strategically drop explosives, and some sites have remote trigger stations integrated into the terrain. Ogden highlighted the advantages of drones for reaching inaccessible areas without trigger stations and potentially being a cost-effective alternative to helicopters.
This winter has been particularly challenging for avalanche control in Western Canada, with Glacier National Park facing threats from 135 avalanche paths along a 43-kilometer stretch of Highway 1 in British Columbia. Unusually high snowfall and severe weather conditions led to extended road closures for avalanche mitigation efforts.
Looking ahead, industries are increasingly exploring drone technology for various applications beyond avalanche control. Ogden noted the growing ubiquity of drones in diverse sectors and their potential to revolutionize avalanche risk management. While drones may not replace traditional methods entirely due to weather dependency, ongoing testing is planned for next winter with the possibility of expanding drone use in other mountainous regions across Canada.
Brian Rode, vice-president of Marmot Basin ski resort in Jasper National Park, expressed optimism about the promising prospects of drone technology for avalanche control. While the ski resort continues to rely on explosive charges for now, they are closely monitoring advancements in drone technology and considering their integration into future operations.
