Item: AVALANCHE SAFETY OPERATIONS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK SUPPORTED BY THE AVALANCHE DETECTION NETWORK, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
-
-
Title: AVALANCHE SAFETY OPERATIONS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK SUPPORTED BY THE AVALANCHE DETECTION NETWORK, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Jim Phillips [ Parks Canada, Mt Revelstoke and Glacier National Park, BC, Canada ]
- Lisa Dreier [ Wyssen Avalanche Control, Revelstoke, BC, Canada ]
- Walter Steinkogler [ Wyssen Avalanche Control, Revelstoke, BC, Canada ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: Glacier National Park in British Columbia is managed by Parks Canada. Two important transportation routes, the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway run through the park and over Rogers Pass, the highest point of the highway, which is a popular destination for backcountry enthusiasts. A total of 135 avalanche paths endanger the highway and railroad in the park. Parks Canada's Avalanche Control Section (ACS) is responsible for public safety in Glacier National Park. ACS in partnership with Canadian Armed Forces monitors avalanche activity, conducts avalanche control to keep the public safe on the transportation routes and provides an avalanche bulletin for backcountry users. Parks Canada installed the Avalanche Detection Network (ADN) in the fall of 2018 and 2019 in Glacier National Park. ADN is unique and the largest avalanche detection network worldwide with thirteen (13) infrasound avalanche detection arrays and four (4) long-range avalanche radars. The systems are installed along the highway corridor to monitor relevant avalanche paths affecting the transportation routes. ADN became an important tool for the Avalanche Control Section and changed the way operations are conducted as for example avalanche forecasting, control operations and monitoring of avalanche activity. With more than 1970 infrasound and 140 radar avalanche detections in winter 2022-2023 ADN notified avalanche forecasters in real-time of relevant avalanche activity and confirmed avalanche control results which helps forecasters to be more time efficient and increases safety for personnel and ultimately the public. ADN proved especially useful to forecasters at night and during snowstorms enhancing their usual method of visual or audible observation from the highway.
Object ID: ISSW2023_P3.54.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Jim Phillips and Lisa Dreier
Keywords: Avalanche Detection Network, infrasound, radar, avalanche monitoring, Parks Canada, Glacier National Park
Page Number(s): 1538 - 1543
-