Northwest highway to see new avalanche detection system in place

Some enhanced safety measures are now in place along
Highway 37 North with avalanche detection equipment installed 

With the winter months just over the horizon, the province is moving to add to some safety equipment for those travelling along the Highway 37 corridor between Terrace and Dease Lake, with a new automated Avalanche Detection system now operational in the Ningunsaw Pass.

As the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure explains it, the new system should have impressive results. 

Automated Avalanche Detection Systems include radar, high-definition cameras and communications equipment, allowing avalanche technicians to monitor avalanche activity in real time. 

This data, combined with extensive local knowledge, ensures that highways are closed when they need to be and open when they are safe. 

 The Automated Avalanche Detection System at Ningunsaw Pass is the second location in the province to use this technology. 

The first location, at Bear Pass between Stewart and Meziadin Junction, has been active since 2019 and has reduced road closure times by nearly 40% on that stretch of Highway 37A.

The installation of the system was one which was hailed by Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen who represents the region and noted of how it will improve the flow of information for travellers and the commercial trucking industry.

“British Columbia’s highways pass through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world and are susceptible to avalanches at numerous locationsClosures can cause significant inconvenience and delays for the travelling public and the commercial trucking industry. Our investments in Automated Avalanche Detection Systems and Remote Avalanche Control Systems improve highway reliability, which has a direct and positive impact for people and the provincial economy.” -- MLA Nathan Cullen on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister Rob Fleming.

The full overview of the program is available here.

More notes from the Legislature can be explored here.