Kootenay National Park (KNP) Avalanche Mitigations, Whymper Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS)

Parks Canada is proposing to install four Remote Avalanche Control System (RACS) units on Mt Whymper. Currently Parks Canada Agency performs avalanche control by placing explosives from helicopters in starting zones of Mt Whymper. However, control by helicopter is often limited by poor visibility and wind in the starting zones, effecting timing and efficiency of avalanche control, and exposing workers to challenging flying conditions and explosives use. The rationale for RACS in these paths is to reduce impacts to Highway 93 South, highway closure time and gains in operational efficiency and worker safety. The total footprint for four Gazex RACS units, including foundations, shelters and pipelines is ~230 m. A maximum of three leveled work pads will be required per site (72 m² footprint). One or two permanent helipads may also be required (50 m² maximum footprint).


Latest update

March 29, 2021 - The assessment decision statement has been issued to the proponent.

Participate

Contacts

Kootenay National Park
P.O. Box 220
Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia V0A 1M0
Email: noelle.summers@pc.gc.ca


  • Location

    • Kootenay National Park (British Columbia)
  • Nature of Activity

    • Highways and Roads
  • Assessment Status

    Completed
  • Start Date

    2020-09-25
  • Proponent

    Parks Canada
  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency
  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands
  • Reference Number

    81012
Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

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...within 200 kilometres
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