Whistler recently witnessed a groundbreaking test of a bomb-carrying drone for avalanche mitigation, believed to be the first at a Canadian ski resort. The test, conducted by Drone Amplified and Alpine Solutions Avalanche Services, involved the MONTIS system, which drops explosives onto mountain slopes with pinpoint accuracy.
A New Era in Avalanche Control
The use of howitzers and recoilless rifles has been the dominant method for clearing avalanche-prone slopes for the past 80 years. However, these weapons are aging, and ammunition supplies are dwindling. Dan Justa, vice-president at Drone Amplified, explained that the howitzers in the U.S. are becoming obsolete, and the military is reluctant to allow civilian agencies to possess such heavy artillery.
Traditional methods, such as ski patrollers throwing hand charges or helicopters delivering explosives, are dangerous and costly. The MONTIS system offers a safer alternative by using an electronic trigger to detonate an airburst just above the surface, providing more effective concussive force and precise targeting.
The Test at Whistler Peak
In late March, after the final skier had cleared the mountain on the last day of the season, an Alta X drone lifted off with explosives on board. The test charge was successfully dropped, marking a first for any Canadian ski resort. The long-awaited event came after Transport Canada granted final approval.
Montgomery Atwater, a World War II veteran and winter warfare instructor, pioneered the use of howitzers for avalanche control in the 1950s after surviving a devastating avalanche. His legacy now evolves with drone technology.
Other methods of avalanche mitigation include ski patrollers ascending mountains to manually throw charges with 90-second fuses, but these can risk premature slides. Helicopter delivery, while effective, is expensive and hazardous. The MONTIS system eliminates these risks, offering a safer and more efficient solution.
The test at Whistler represents a significant step forward in avalanche safety, potentially paving the way for widespread adoption of drone technology in ski resorts across Canada and beyond.
