CDOT Operational Tour

One of the topics we explored during our sessions was the avalanche mitigation methods and tools that CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) uses to keep the highways safe from snow slides. We had a great presentation by Brian Gorsage, who explained how CDOT works with different types of explosives to trigger controlled avalanches before they become a threat to drivers and passengers. He also showed us how CDOT collects and analyzes data, collaborates with CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center), and uses helicopters, howitzer cannons, avalaunchers, RAC systems, and other devices to target specific avalanche paths and situations. He also talked about some of the new technologies that CDOT is planning to install above some of the most popular avalanche paths, such as the O'bellX capsules that can detonate remotely and safely .

This was a very interesting contrast to the techniques that we learned about in our tour of Arapahoe Basin, where we saw how a ski resort deals with avalanche hazards in a different way. We learned about the different types of snowpack, the factors that influence avalanche formation, and the methods that ski patrollers use to assess and reduce avalanche risk. We also saw some of the equipment and tools that they use, such as probes, shovels, beacons, and rescue dogs.