Avalanche Control
Rainy days are good for going through my archives and this is one from a couple of years ago - taken as we crossed over Rogers Pass on the Trans Canada Highway on a lovely sunny day!
Avalanches are a big deal there in the colder months when they get an average snowfall of 10 meters. I know because years ago - I had to wait three times for construction crews to clear the highway when I passed through there.
This is an older gun permanently mounted as a tribute in the pass but Howitzers are still used today: In Glacier National Park, the 105 mm Howitzer has proved to be the most effective and efficient method used to control avalanches. There are 270 pre-set targets on the 135 slide paths that have the potential to hit the highway or railway. The Howitzer with the pre-calibrated targets allows the team to conduct avalanche control measures at night and in all kinds of weather.
The costs for delays due to avalanches can add up to three million dollars an hour. Fortunately for us, our stop was voluntary at the visitors center in the pass.
Avalanche Control
Rainy days are good for going through my archives and this is one from a couple of years ago - taken as we crossed over Rogers Pass on the Trans Canada Highway on a lovely sunny day!
Avalanches are a big deal there in the colder months when they get an average snowfall of 10 meters. I know because years ago - I had to wait three times for construction crews to clear the highway when I passed through there.
This is an older gun permanently mounted as a tribute in the pass but Howitzers are still used today: In Glacier National Park, the 105 mm Howitzer has proved to be the most effective and efficient method used to control avalanches. There are 270 pre-set targets on the 135 slide paths that have the potential to hit the highway or railway. The Howitzer with the pre-calibrated targets allows the team to conduct avalanche control measures at night and in all kinds of weather.
The costs for delays due to avalanches can add up to three million dollars an hour. Fortunately for us, our stop was voluntary at the visitors center in the pass.