Item: RACS FOR AVALANCHE HAZARD MANAGEMENT ON STATE ROADS IN PINZGAU, AUSTRIA – PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION, LOCAL FORECASTING AND CENTRALIZED OPERATION
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Title: RACS FOR AVALANCHE HAZARD MANAGEMENT ON STATE ROADS IN PINZGAU, AUSTRIA – PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION, LOCAL FORECASTING AND CENTRALIZED OPERATION
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Stefan Oberaigner [ Provincial Road Administration Salzburg (Landesstraßeverwaltung), Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, Salzburg, Austria ]
- Gottfried Seer [ Federal Torrent and Avalanche Control Service (WL-V), Gebietsbauleitung Pinzgau, Zell am See, Salzburg, Austria ]
- Paul Dobesberger [ Wyssen Avalanche Control, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Road avalanche protection in alpine regions requires not only technical solutions but also well-coordinated organizational structures across multiple stakeholders. This paper presents a case study on the planning, construction, and operation of a RACS (Remote Avalanche Control System) program installed to protect state roads in the municipalities of Saalfelden, Maishofen, and Rauris in the province of Salzburg, Austria. The program was initiated in 2009 and has since grown to eight Wyssen avalanche towers. Project planning and construction were carried out by the federal torrent and avalanche control service, with Wyssen Avalanche Control (WAC) contributing their long-standing expertise during the planning phase. A key organizational feature of this setup is the centralized operation of all RACS – regardless of municipal boundaries – by a single road maintenance authority, which handles storing, loading and triggering of all systems. The decision to initiate avalanche control missions is made by the respective local avalanche commissions of each of the three municipalities involved. Annual maintenance of all systems is carried out by Wyssen technicians, ensuring consistent technical oversight throughout the lifecycle of the infrastructure. Since 2023, all systems have been operated using the Wyssen 2K charge – a new two-component explosive – replacing conventional avalanche explosives previously in use. This transition has been evaluated in terms of operational reliability, handling, and safety. The experience gained over several years of operation demonstrates that a clear division of responsibilities between planning, construction, and operation – combined with a centralized operational model and a defined cost-sharing framework for both construction and ongoing operation – proves highly effective for managing geographically distributed avalanche safety infrastructure. The organizational model presented here may serve as a transferable framework for similar road protection projects in alpine communities. All parties involved have expressed strong satisfaction with both the distribution of responsibilities and the successful implementation across four construction phases, as well as with the smooth running of ongoing operations.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P2.54.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099043
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Paul Dobesberger
Keywords: avalanche hazard management; avalanche control; RACS; case study
Page Number(s): 2089 - 2090
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