The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed a successful test of a new Remote Avalanche Control System on the east side of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels. This marks a shift from using World War II-era artillery to more modern avalanche mitigation methods along the Interstate 70 Mountain Corridor.
The Wyssen Avalanche Control systems now allow CDOT’s Winter Operations Team to perform avalanche mitigation remotely, eliminating the need for crews to be physically present during operations. This change enables mitigation work at any time, day or night, which is expected to lower safety risks and reduce traffic disruptions.
“This technology represents a major advancement in how we keep I-70 open and safe during Colorado’s harsh winter storms,” said Brian Gorsage, CDOT’s avalanche program manager. “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.”
According to CDOT, the Wyssen system uses remotely deployed charges that can cover large areas of snowpack with fewer detonations compared to traditional artillery. Five similar units are already operating in southern Colorado and have demonstrated improvements in both safety and operational speed.
With the new installation near the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels, CDOT can now address avalanche hazards between mile points 211 and 218 before morning ski traffic begins. Previously, daylight was required for Howitzer operations, but remote control allows for earlier interventions. The agency expects this will cut down on both how long and how often traffic is stopped for avalanche mitigation.
“This installation is part of our ongoing effort to strengthen safety and resiliency across Colorado’s mountain highways,” said Gorsage. “Remote Avalanche Control System technology allows us to protect both motorists and our teams while keeping traffic moving.”
Helicopters were used to load charges onto the new Wyssen equipment as part of the installation process.
