Item: Evolution of an Avalanche Program: From Artillery to Infrastructure
-
-
Title: Evolution of an Avalanche Program: From Artillery to Infrastructure
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Jamie Yount [ Wyoming Department of Transportation, Jackson, WY, USA ]
- Brian Gorsage [ Wyoming Department of Transportation, Jackson, WY, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has used artillery for avalanche reduction on State and Federal highways near Jackson, WY since 1972. As demands on the transportation system have changed, new technology and strategies have been implemented to improve the efficiency of avalanche reduction operations. This case study examines the effects of implementing active and passive avalanche mitigation measures on avalanche paths through three separate highway corridors. On State Route 22 over Teton Pass, WYDOT operates Gazex® and Avalanche Guard® active avalanche control systems and Infrasonic avalanche detection in the Glory Bowl and Twin Slides avalanche paths. On US 89/191/189/26 snow supporting structures are used for passive avalanche defense in the milepost 151 avalanche path. On US 191/189, through the Hoback River Canyon, two Obellx® gas exploders are used for active avalanche control at the Cow and Calf of the Woods avalanche paths. In each application terrain, avalanche conditions, environmental impacts, and highway concerns are considered with the implementation of infrastructure. With continued capital improvements and the realization of a long term strategy of implementing avalanche forecasting and mitigation technology, WYDOT is moving towards the end of artillery while reducing highway avalanche closures and their durations.
Object ID: ISSW16_O19.03.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche, Infrastructure, Gazex, Obellx, Howitzer, Snow Structures, Transportation
Page Number(s): 442-449
Subjects: Wyoming Gazex road-hit avalanches
-