UPDATE: Washington transportation officials have just announced a groundbreaking shift in avalanche control at Snoqualmie Pass. The state will no longer use a Howitzer, marking a significant advancement in safety and efficiency for the vital roadway above Interstate 90.
Snoqualmie Pass experiences over 450 inches of snow annually, posing risks to the 28,000 vehicles that navigate through daily. The west side of the pass is notorious for avalanches, prompting the need for effective control measures. Thanks to a $1 million appropriation from the state legislature, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has successfully installed a state-of-the-art remote-controlled avalanche system.
This cutting-edge technology positions Washington alongside states like Colorado and California in adopting safer avalanche management practices. The new system includes six remote-controlled towers that can trigger controlled avalanches without the dangers associated with artillery.
“This is a safer, more effective system than what we were previously using,” stated WSDOT spokesperson Tina Werner on Thursday. The transition from artillery, which has been in place since the 1980s, aims to enhance both safety for crews and overall operational efficiency.
In the past, avalanche control crews utilized artillery, including a recoilless rifle and a World War II-era Howitzer, to manage snow accumulation safely. This outdated method required extensive preparation time—often up to six hours—before any shots could be fired, with road closures lasting for hours afterward. The last artillery piece, a tank, was retired in 2018 after reaching the end of its operational life, further underscoring the need for modern solutions.
“Previously, my crew was less than a foot away from launching artillery systems,” said John Stimberis, avalanche control supervisor for Snoqualmie Pass. “Now we’ll be able to force an avalanche in a controlled environment, potentially miles away.”
The new remote system allows for rapid deployment, taking mere minutes to set up, and can significantly reduce road closures to between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Designed to last at least 30 years, this innovative approach not only increases safety for the crews involved but also enhances the lifespan of the equipment itself.
As winter approaches, the implementation of this advanced avalanche control system is expected to safeguard travelers on one of Washington’s busiest routes. Authorities are optimistic that this transition will lead to fewer disruptions and improved safety for the community.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
