Drones are poised to transform avalanche control in Canada, providing a cutting-edge solution to a persistent safety challenge. For nearly 80 years, avalanche crews have relied on potentially risky and expensive methods, including artillery fire and helicopter-based explosive deployment. Now, a Canadian company, Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS), is leading the charge with its innovative drone technology.
Last year, AVSS received federal government approval to test its SnowDart system, and trials were conducted this past winter in Jasper National Park. The system utilizes drones to precisely deliver explosives to targeted locations on mountain slopes, triggering controlled avalanches before they pose a threat to infrastructure and the public. This approach offers a safer alternative to traditional methods, minimizing risk to personnel.
According to Josh Ogden, co-founder of AVSS, drones provide "another tool in the toolbox," particularly valuable in areas inaccessible to artillery or lacking remote trigger stations. Furthermore, drones can be a more cost-effective option compared to deploying helicopters. The SnowDart system is part of AVSS's Precision Avalanche Management System (PAMS), combining autonomous flight planning, precise drops, and performance data collection.
The potential benefits of drone-based avalanche control are significant. They can operate in conditions that would ground helicopters, require fewer staff, and offer a more flexible approach to managing avalanche risks. As Parks Canada grapples with increasingly challenging winter conditions, such as the extended Highway 1 closure in British Columbia this year, drone technology offers a promising solution for enhancing safety and efficiency.
