Video Swiss company awarded $2.1 million avalanche control contract for Three Valley Gap

The B.C. government has announced that the $2.1 million contract for a new automated avalanche control system for Three Valley Gap has been awarded to Swiss company Wyssen Avalanche Control, Inc.

The “Remote Avalanche Control Systems” triggering system is designed to reduce highway closure times. Currently, avalanches are triggered in the area by dropping explosives from helicopters, but inclement weather can hamper the process, leading to longer or more frequent closures. The system is also limited to daylight hours.

The new system was announced in Revelstoke in June of 2015, when transportation minister Todd Stone visited here to announce a series of highway initiatives, including the digital variable speed signs that are now in operation. See the video above for more on that announcement.

“In June of last year I committed to improving the safety and mobility on the Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke as part of B.C. on the Move, our 10-year transportation plan,” said Stone in a statement. “The first of these new avalanche mitigation systems will be in operation this winter and will lessen the duration of highway closures due to avalanches.”

The new system 24-hour system will allow operators to fire the charges remotely so that avalanche control can be completed at any time, under any weather condition, the B.C. government said in a media release.

Eight separate RACS will be installed at key locations along the south side of Three Valley Lake. The transportation ministry expects to install three systems this fall, with the remainder to be installed next year once additional site investigations are complete.