URGENT UPDATE: Washington State transportation officials have just announced the deployment of a cutting-edge avalanche control system at Snoqualmie Pass, eliminating the need for artillery such as Howitzers to manage snowfalls. This significant upgrade comes as the area typically experiences over 450 inches of snow annually, posing risks to the 28,000 vehicles that traverse Interstate 90 daily.
The $1 million project, funded by state legislators, introduces six remote-controlled avalanche control towers powered by solar energy. These innovative towers are designed to safely trigger controlled avalanches above the roadway, drastically improving safety for maintenance crews and reducing road closure times.
Tina Werner, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), emphasized the importance of this shift. “This is a safer, more effective system than what we were previously using to get the job done,” she stated. The new technology aligns Washington with states like Colorado, Utah, and California, which have already adopted similar systems.
For decades, WSDOT relied on outdated methods involving artillery, including a World War II-era Howitzer, to manage snow. This system required extensive preparation, often taking up to six hours before any shots were fired, and forced crews to work dangerously close to explosives. The Howitzer was the last operational artillery piece for avalanche control in the U.S., officially retired in 2018 due to safety concerns.
The new remote-controlled system promises immediate benefits, including significantly reduced setup times and enhanced safety for snow-clearing crews. According to John Stimberis, avalanche control supervisor for Snoqualmie Pass, “Previously, my crew was less than a foot away from launching artillery systems. Now we’ll be able to force an avalanche in a controlled environment, potentially miles away.”
With the innovative technology, avalanche control can be set up in minutes, potentially cutting road closures to just 30 minutes to 2 hours—a major improvement for daily commuters. WSDOT predicts this system’s lifespan could reach a remarkable 30 years, ensuring long-term safety and efficiency for one of Washington’s busiest mountain passes.
As winter approaches and snow levels rise, this new system stands to make a significant impact, ensuring safer travel for thousands and modernizing avalanche management practices in the state.
Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking development.
