Controlled Avalanches in New Zealand Mitigate Winter Road Risks
Controlled Avalanches in New Zealand Mitigate Winter Road Risks
US · Published Sep 11, 2025
Experts in New Zealand's Fiordland use controlled avalanches to protect State Highway
The program, active since 1983, utilizes explosives to prevent natural avalanches from blocking roads.
This proactive approach ensures safer travel for both residents and tourists in the region.
Experts ensure winter road safety in Fiordland
In New Zealand's rugged Fiordland region, a dedicated team of experts is taking a proactive approach to winter road safety. For decades, they have been employing controlled avalanches along State Highway 94 to mitigate the risks posed by natural avalanches. This crucial program, initiated in 1983, involves the strategic use of explosives to trigger smaller, controlled avalanches, preventing larger, more dangerous ones from obstructing the highway.
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