Transport Canada has approved the usage of AVSS’ SnowDart system for avalanche control.
Instead of using World War II artillery (seriously) and dropping explosives from helicopters, AVSS can now send drones to drop what is described as “low-cost, eco-friendly explosives” on avalanche-prone areas.
Referred to as the Precision Avalanche Management System (PAMS), it uses flight-planning software, autonomous navigation, and the SnowDarts to cause controlled avalanches before they can become large and dangerous.
AVSS, a company specializing in drone recovery and delivery systems, has been developing this technology since 2020. The company also states on its website that its delivery mechanism can be used for other purposes, such as crucial resupplies in harsh weather conditions when helicopters or small planes would be grounded.
With approval from both Transport Canada and the Federal Economic Development Agency (FEDDEV), AVSS is planning to make the technology available for ski resorts, mining companies, and Government agencies across the world.
As Snow Brains points out, drones are cheaper to operate, require less staffing, and can fly in harsher conditions that would typically ground helicopters or shut down Remote Avalanche Control Systems. Plus, as mentioned earlier, it could provide agencies and other mountain-based organizations with crucial information surrounding avalanches, and could lead to better avalanche safety methods and standards.
Image Credit: AVSS
Source: Snow Brains
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