New avalanche protection system for Colorado mountains
The Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Avalanche Center are getting new equipment to reduce the danger of avalanches in the high country.
Crews are currently working to install the equipment near Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass.
The system works by pumping propane gas to the top of avalanche chutes, where it can ignite remotely, causing a controlled avalanche.
The small explosion will produce a concussion above the snowpack, triggering the avalanches.
The agencies currently rely on World War II-era cannons and compressed-air launchers that shoot small explosives into avalanche zones.
