In an awe-inspiring canyon within Yellowstone National Park, a resounding boom reverberated on June 12, 2023. This was the result of a controlled detonation carried out by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team from the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron. Let’s delve into the incident and how it unfolded, highlighting the measures taken to ensure visitor safety and the significance of staying vigilant in natural surroundings.
Ensuring Public Safety:
On June 11, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the EOD team received a notification from Yellowstone park rangers regarding an unexploded 105mm avalanche control round. The round had come to rest a mere 10 feet away from a main route frequently used by park visitors. With the park’s peak season underway, the primary concern was to promptly and safely dispose of the explosive without compromising visitor safety.
Collaborative Approach:
Master Sgt. Tristan Crandall, 341st CES EOD operations and training section chief, shared insights on the initial response. After being informed of the discovery, measures were discussed, including road closures to divert traffic. Further examination through ranger-provided photographs led to a decision not to close the road entirely. Instead, a ranger was stationed in view of the item to establish a safe perimeter and prevent visitors from approaching or handling it.
Avalanche Control Measures:
During winter seasons, national parks employ controlled explosions to trigger avalanches, mitigating the risk of natural occurrences that could harm individuals or damage infrastructure. Park rangers rely on weather data, snowpack analysis, and on-the-ground observations to determine when to initiate an avalanche. They prioritize visitor safety and schedule detonations during times when risks are minimized.
The Malfunctioning Explosive:
In the case reported by the park rangers, the unexploded round had a sheared-off fuse upon impact, leading to a malfunction and an incorrect trigger. This incident marks only the 13th occurrence of explosive failure in the 50-year history of the avalanche control program at Yellowstone.
The Safe Disposal Operation:
Upon reaching the location, the EOD team and park rangers collaborated to develop a plan of action. Discussions included potential detonation sites, general safety precautions, and explosives briefings. To ensure maximum safety, the team decided to destroy the item in a trench between the road shoulder and the snowbank. Sandbags were placed over the device to prevent fragmentation from posing a hazard to personnel.
Stay Alert and Report:
The EOD team emphasizes the importance of remaining aware of one’s surroundings while enjoying nature. If you come across an item that appears to be a military round or explosive, it is crucial to leave it undisturbed and immediately call 911 to inform local authorities.
The swift and coordinated response by the EOD team and Yellowstone park rangers successfully disposed of the unexploded avalanche round in a controlled and secure manner. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsible action when encountering potentially dangerous items in natural settings. Let us all play our part in preserving the beauty and safety of our national parks.