A Canadian company is pioneering the use of drones for avalanche control instead of traditional methods like artillery or helicopter explosives. Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) received approval from the federal government last year to test its SnowDart system in Jasper National Park this winter. The innovative technology involves a drone carrying an explosive up a mountain to be dropped and remotely detonated on the slope.
Josh Ogden, the co-founder of AVSS, emphasized that drones offer a new approach to avalanche control, complementing existing tools like 105 mm howitzer guns used by the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. While helicopters and remote trigger stations are also utilized for avalanche mitigation, drones are particularly beneficial for inaccessible areas and can be a cost-effective alternative to helicopters.
The winter season posed significant avalanche challenges in Western Canada, with increased highway closures due to heightened avalanche risks. Parks Canada reported a record total closure of 191 hours on Highway 1 through Glacier National Park, attributed to heavy snowfall and weather conditions. Similarly, the Icefields Parkway experienced extended closures, marking the most shut-down hours in recent memory.
Looking ahead, the integration of drone technology in various industries continues to expand. Drones are increasingly employed for diverse tasks such as infrastructure inspections, emergency responses, and delivery services. While drones show promise for managing avalanche risks, Deryl Kelly from Parks Canada highlighted that they won’t replace traditional methods entirely, as their effectiveness is weather-dependent. AVSS plans to further test drone applications next winter, potentially expanding their use in other mountainous regions across Canada.
Brian Rode, vice-president of Marmot Basin ski resort, expressed optimism about the potential of drone technology for avalanche control. The ski resort intends to monitor the technology’s progress and adoption in the market while continuing to rely on explosive charges for current avalanche mitigation efforts.
