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Item: FIFTY YEARS OF BC MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT AVALANCHE AND WEATHER PROGRAMS: FROM THEN TO NOW

    • Title: FIFTY YEARS OF BC MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT AVALANCHE AND WEATHER PROGRAMS: FROM THEN TO NOW

      Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026

      Authors:

      • Wren McElroy  [ Senior Avalanche Officer, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, Avalanche and Weather Program, Nelson, BC ]
      • Matt MacDonald  [ Weather and Climate Specialist, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, Avalanche and Weather Program, Nelson, BC ]
      • Robb Andersen  [ Senior Manager, Avalanche, Weather and Radio Programs, BC Ministry of Transportation & Transit, Nelson, BC ]
      • Paul Harwood  [ Senior Avalanche Officer, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, Avalanche and Weather Program, Powell River, BC ]

      Date: 2026-09-28

      Abstract: British Columbia's provincial highways traverse steep mountainous terrain and are exposed to snow avalanche hazards at numerous locations, creating an ongoing challenge to maintain safe and reliable winter transportation. Established following the 1974 North Route Café avalanche near Terrace, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) Avalanche and Weather Program has evolved from localized operations based on manual observations and helicopter-based explosive control into an integrated, risk-based management system. Today, the program manages avalanche risk across 63 avalanche areas encompassing approximately 1,400 active avalanche paths. Major developments include the expansion of automated weather and avalanche monitoring networks, adoption of Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS), development of the Snow Avalanche and Weather System (SAWS) and SAWSwx, and deployment of automated avalanche detection technologies. These advances have improved worker safety, reduced highway closures, and strengthened operational decision making, demonstrating the value of sustained investment in people, infrastructure, and technology.

      Object ID: ISSW2026_P2.62.pdf

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099070

      Language of Article: English

      Presenter(s): Wren McElroy

      Keywords: Operations and Program Management.

      Page Number(s): 2338 - 2343

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