Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS)

ARS is at the forefront of producing plans for conversion from military artillery to RACS or using RACS for terrain expansion.

ARS is at the forefront of producing concept and implementation plans for the use of Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS). Many ski areas, mines, highways, and railroad avalanche programs continue to use military artillery for avalanche risk reduction. The U.S. Army has mandated conversion to alternative methods of avalanche risk reduction, with RACS being the first choice for most avalanche programs. With worker safety and efficiency in mind, RACS are also often recommended as the primary approach for reducing avalanche risk during ski area expansion and for industrial operations in avalanche-prone terrain.

ARS’s concept plan outlines the types of RACS that could be used for artillery replacement or as a risk reduction method for expanding into new terrain. After the client selects their approach, we proceed to an implementation plan that refines the cost analysis and timeline.

ARS has expertise in planning for both installations and ongoing use and maintenance. We will help you select the right tool for the terrain and application, leveraging our expertise in maintenance and repair challenges. Through this process, we can also provide assistance with project management, including permitting, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) compliance, geotechnical studies, and other engineering services. ARS has partnered with capable contractors for installations. Drawing on firsthand experience, we can help address forecasting considerations associated with RACS. This can include providing recommendations for implementing remote sensing technology, which encompasses radar, infrasound, and UAS. Our team brings an understanding of other often-overlooked components of incorporating a RACS program into an operation.

Examples:

  • Alyeska Ski Resort, AK
  • Palmer Project, AK – Concept
  • Lee Canyon Ski Resort, NV
  • Powder Mountain, UT
  • Sundance Mountain Resort, UT
  • Deer Valley Resort, UT
  • Telluride Ski Resort, CO

Avalanche Risk Reduction Programs
Avalanche Research
ARS and its predecessors have been involved in avalanche research since 1982. (Read more)
Short Term Risk Reduction
Risk Reduction for projects brief in time or scope, but where some level of avalanche risk exists. (Read more)
Longer Term Risk Reduction
Risk Reduction for projects where avalanche risk is primary and an avalanche safety plan is developed. (Read more)
Concept Planning
Planning for large multi-phased projects with the project's viability not determined until a future date. (Read more)
Quantifying Avalanche Risk
With any kind of transportation corridor, it is possible to quantify the avalanche risk objectively using the Avalanche Hazard Index. (Read more)
Avalanche Program Assessment
With an emphasis on worker safety, ARS brings an experienced and nuanced perspective to avalanche program reviews. (Read more)
Urban Risk Reduction
Recent trends highlight the difficulty of implementing avalanche zoning laws on the interface between wild and urban settings. (Read more)
Project Management
Providing support in many forms for your capital construction efforts related to implementing an avalanche program or modifying an existing program. (Read more)