Alta Ski Resort Embraces New Avalanche Safety Technology
ALTA, Utah — Alta Ski Resort is stepping up its avalanche safety measures by introducing cutting-edge technology. In a recent video by Ski Utah, the spotlight is on a unique device called the BW-Exploder, also known as the "boom whoosh."
This innovative remote avalanche control system was created in Jackson Hole and is making its mark across North America. Unlike traditional systems, which often rely on nearby fuel sources, the boom whoosh can draw a gas mix from as far away as a kilometer.
Lexi Dowdall, the Communications Manager at Alta, explained how the system works. “The mixing of the ingredients creates a powerful force that shoots out at high speed from the nozzle,” she stated. “This force can trigger weak layers within the snowpack, potentially preventing dangerous avalanches.”
As Alta transitions away from using howitzers for avalanche control, Dowdall noted that this new method offers a safer alternative for managing snow hazards. The beauty of the boom whoosh is that it allows snow safety professionals and ski patrollers to avoid hiking in risky conditions during avalanches.
Currently, Alta Ski Resort stands out as the only resort in Utah utilizing the boom whoosh technology. For more information about this exciting advancement, visit skiutah.com.
Weather Update: Northern Utah is expecting up to a foot of snow in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service.
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