Ski Area-Based Avalanche Assessments

DHA is at the forefront of producing concept and implementation plans for conversion from military artillery to Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS).

Many ski areas continue to use military artillery for avalanche risk reduction. The U.S. Army has mandated conversion to Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) as an alternative. DHA is at the forefront of producing concept and implementation plans for this process. The concept plan addresses the types of systems that could be used for replacement, after which the client selects their approach, and we move to an implementation plan. The latter plan refines the cost analysis and timeline for RACS conversions.

Examples:

  • Kirkwood Mountain Resort, CA
  • Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, CA
  • Alyeska Ski Resort, AK
  • Lee Canyon Ski Resort, NV

Another recent trend has been to contract for a review of ski area avalanche programs. With our depth of experience in ski area operations, risk management, avalanche mitigation, and communication and leadership, DHA brings a nuanced eye to these reviews.

Example:

  • Aspen Ski Corporation: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass, CO
Avalanche Risk Reduction Programs
Avalanche Research
DHA and its predecessors (Alcan Avalanche Services) 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)
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)