Item: DRONES IN THE MOUNTAINS: THE JASPER VISITOR SAFETY REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (RPAS) PROGRAM
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Title: DRONES IN THE MOUNTAINS: THE JASPER VISITOR SAFETY REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (RPAS) PROGRAM
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Darren Farley [ Parks Canada, Jasper National Park Visitor Safety, Jasper, AB, Canada ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Jasper Visitor Safety is responsible for avalanche forecasting, avalanche control, and search and rescue (SAR) across Jasper National Park, an approximately 11,000 km² park in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta. The park's remote character and limited seasonal access to rescue helicopters prompted Jasper Visitor Safety to develop an in house Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS, or drone) program with the aim of training staff as competent pilots and using drones for search and rescue and, ultimately, avalanche control. This paper describes the program's aims, current fleet and equipment, training pathway, and operational experience to date. Drones have proven their value in several search and rescue operations, including night searches with infrared imaging, initial assessment of possible avalanche burials, and delivery of survival equipment to subjects. In parallel, Jasper Visitor Safety has supported live testing of drone delivered avalanche control and sees the drone as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, avalanche control with helicopters. Current limitations include line of sight radio range, payload flight endurance, and reduced performance relative to helicopters in poor weather and long control missions. The paper concludes that RPAS meaningfully extends the reach, safety, and cost-effectiveness of a remote mountain avalanche and rescue program.
Object ID: ISSW2026_FS1.2.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098392
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Darren Farley
Keywords: RPAS, UAV, drone, avalanche control, search and rescue, Jasper National Park
Page Number(s): 450 - 457
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