The Colorado Department of Transportation recently tested a new Remote Avalanche Control System near the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel, pushing forward modernization of avalanche mitigation operation along the state’s Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor.
The new mitigation system replaces the need for World War II artillery that’s previously been used to clear the snowpack in the area. With the new Wyssen Avalanche Control systems, crews can conduct mitigation at any time while reducing safety risks and traffic impacts for the public.
“This technology represents a major advancement in how we keep I-70 open and safe during Colorado’s harsh winter storms. Remote Avalanche Control Systems allow our teams to work more safely, more efficiently and with far less disruption to drivers traveling this critical mountain corridor.” – Brian Gorsage, CDOT’s avalanche program manager.
The Wyssen technology uses remotely deployed charges, effectively influencing a large section of snowpack with less artillery methods. 5 Wyssen units currently operate in southern Colorado. The new instillation near the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels allows mitigation between mile points 211 and 218 before ski traffic arrives in the morning. The Howitzer, on the other hand, required daylight for operations.
