The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) recently tested new avalanche control technology in Alta, Utah. The department installed 16 Wyssen Towers that use wireless technology to deploy explosives, triggering controlled avalanches. This new technology comes as UDOT plans to phase out the use of military artillery for avalanche control. The total cost of the project was $5.4 million, with each tower costing around $140,000. UDOT now has a total of 29 Wyssen Towers, 23 Gazex Exploders, and other Remote Avalanche Control Systems in place.
UDOT officials stated that the new systems will improve safety and efficiency for both avalanche and road operation crews. Steven Clark, UDOT’s Avalanche Safety Program Manager, noted that while the new technology does not change the effectiveness of their avalanche mitigation efforts, it does improve worker safety and overall operational efficiency.
The 16 Wyssen Towers were installed along the Mount Superior Ridgeline. Despite the success of this project, there are currently no immediate plans to install additional towers. The testing of this new technology has been deemed successful, and UDOT is continuing to explore ways to enhance their avalanche control measures. Overall, these advancements in technology will better equip UDOT to prepare for and mitigate real avalanche hazards in the future.
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