Watch Canadian Armed Forces team use a Howitzer C3 to trigger avalanches on the Trans-Canada Highway at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, B.C.
Canadian soldiers are fighting their annual battle against the snow and ice in an effort to keep Rogers Pass, British Columbia open all winter.
Troops from 1st Regiment of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces Horse Artillery team move their 105 mm Howitzer C3 into place in preparation for firing at Rogers Pass, British Columbia during Operation PALACI.
As part of their seasonal Highway Avalanche Control Program, Parks Canada brings in artillery experts from Shilo, Manitoba, and their C3 Howitzers part of Operation Palaci which has been in operation for 50 years.
The operation involves the gunner team setting up firing stations at 17 roadside positions along the Trans-Canada Highway where they blast targeted snow and ice accumulations identified by Parks Canada’s avalanche forecasters as potentially dangerous for travelers on the roads below.
When the avalanche control shoot is completed, plows come in and clear away the snow build-up caused by the avalanche and reopen the road. This year’s operation is underway and is expected to continue into April.
VIDEO: Canadian Avalanche Control Via 105mm Howitzer
sources: Youtube, Revelstoke Museum, Canadian Armed Forces, guns.com
photos: Youtube, SLt Melissa Kia/Canadian Forces