Item: REMOTE AVALANCHE CONTROL AND AUTOMATED AVALANCHE DETECTION SYSTEMS: CURRENT PRACTICE, OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE, AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE
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Title: REMOTE AVALANCHE CONTROL AND AUTOMATED AVALANCHE DETECTION SYSTEMS: CURRENT PRACTICE, OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE, AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Scott Thumlert [ Alpine Solutions, Squamish, BC, Canada ]
- Paul Harwood [ BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, Canada ]
- Harlan Shepard [ Washington Department of Transportation, USA ]
- Tim Glassett [ Alaska Department of Transportation, USA ]
- Cam Campbell [ Alpine Solutions, Squamish, BC, Canada ]
- Eirik Sharp [ Alpine Solutions, Squamish, BC, Canada ]
- Brian Gould [ Alpine Solutions, Squamish, BC, Canada ]
- Alexis Tessier [ Alpine Solutions, Squamish, BC, Canada ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Remote avalanche control systems (RACS) and automated avalanche detection systems (AADS) are increasingly used to operationally manage avalanche risk, yet comparative information on cost, performance, maintenance, and implementation remains limited. This study synthesized North American operational experience through 33 RACS end-user surveys representing 13 programs, three AADS surveys, and structured interviews with personnel from eight transportation programs. RACS were grouped into four classes by energy source and servicing model: Gas Fixed, Gas Deployable, Explosive Fixed, and Explosive Deployable. Across all classes, average installed cost was $313,100 USD per unit (Q1-Q3: $237,600-358,200 USD), and average annual operating cost was $5,900 USD per unit (Q1-Q3: $3,900-7,500 USD). RACS effectiveness depended on how a system was designed and integrated into operations: well-scaled, fully integrated arrays delivered substantial gains in operational efficiency and meaningful reductions in worker exposure, while supplemental or partially integrated installations delivered less benefit for the significant increase in program complexity. No system class was universally superior. Program workloads generally shifted from winter control operations toward off-season access, aviation logistics, and technical maintenance. Five of 33 arrays were reported to have a negative overall worker-safety effect because servicing and access exposure outweighed the avoided control exposure. These findings are translated into a six-stage decision framework that begins with operational context and control strategy, then addresses operational integration, array design, technology selection, and lifecycle sustainability. The smaller AADS dataset supports only preliminary, directional findings: participating programs described detection as a complementary source of near-real-time confirmation and more robust avalanche occurrence data, but further quantitative study is required before comparative cost or performance conclusions can be drawn.
Object ID: ISSW2026_O2.5.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098557
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Scott Thumlert
Keywords: remote avalanche control systems, RACS, automated avalanche detection systems, AADS, transportation corridors, avalanche explosive control
Page Number(s): 1871 - 1878
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