Item: AVALANCHE MITIGATION AT LIZARD HEAD PASS
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Title: AVALANCHE MITIGATION AT LIZARD HEAD PASS
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Rosalind (Roz) Reynolds [ Wyssen USA, Inc. ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: Lizard Head Pass, a section of State Highway 145 (SH 145) between the towns of Ophir and Rico, located in Southern Colorado, averages 2300 vehicles daily˟. Though this is not a large number as compared to more trafficked highways of Colorado, it is an important thoroughfare for the local population. SH 145 is one of the few routes connecting Interstate 40 and Interstate 70. SH 145 is also the main north/south route for Southwest CO when US 550 over Red Mountain Pass is closed. Many residents of the area work in Telluride and commute over Lizard Head Pass. Throughout the years, there have been various forms of avalanche mitigation techniques including temporary passive avalanche mitigation, helicopter charge deployment, avalauncher, howitzer, hand charges, case charges, and, in 2020, remote avalanche control systems (RACS). This account details the different avalanche mitigation techniques employed and how they have evolved through the decades as well as key avalanche paths on Lizard Head Pass. Historical records of avalanche activity on Lizard Head Pass are taken into account to get a picture of the operation on Lizard Head Pass.
Object ID: ISSW2023_P3.58.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Rosalind (Roz) Reynolds
Keywords: Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS), Avalanche Hazard Index (AHI), Mitigated AHI, annual frequency, return period
Page Number(s): 1558 - 1564
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