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Rogers Pass, Canada - the world's largest mobile avalanche control program

Rogers Pass - Glacier National Park - is situated in the Selkirk Range of the Columbia Mountains. Rogers Pass is famous for legendary snowfall and for its 1500 vertical metre runs thus attracting hundreds of backcountry and heli skiers every year. All ski destinations in the park require knowledge of travel in avalanche terrain and skiers are urged to wear avalanche beacons and cary avalanche probes and shovels. Be prepared for self rescue.

Rogers Pass is also a home to the most deadliest avalanche paths that every winter endanger the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway. In the past avalanches claimed many lives with the biggest tragedy known as Rogers Pass Avalanche - March 5, 1910. Sixty-two train men and labourers perished 2 km west of Rogers Pass when their engine was hit by an avalanche.

The Rogers Pass Avalanche Control

All of this lead to an establishment of the world's largest mobile avalanche control program that is operated by Parks Canada with a help from Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Firing from 18 separate gun positions at 255 different targets, the gunmen help to keep the Trans-Canada Highway and railway open and safe during the winter.

The avalanche season, from 1 October to 31 May, is split into three rotations. For the 2005-2006 AVCON, 12 members of 2 RCHA from CFB Petawawa have been tasked with ROTO 2 from 10 January to 20 February. Personnel of 1 RCHA from CFB Shilo cover ROTO 1 and ROTO 3.

The decisions to fire into the mountains to create a controlled avalanches are not taken lightly. Conditions are monitored on a 24-hour basis to assess the avalanche risk. Once it is determined that shooting is required, Parks Canada directs the artillery to a specific gun position.

"Every time we close the highway, it costs approximately a million bucks, so we need to be quick," says Sergeant Peter Walsh. Even though that such program is quite expensive it helps to prevent many avalanche accidents and saves lives.

Rogers Pass Centre - Permits and Information

The Centre is situated at the summit of Rogers Pass (1382 m) and is the principal source of information regarding the park and offers the following services:

• Backcountry Reports - A daily information bulletin regarding avalanche activity, weather and snow conditions.


• Closed Area Entry Permits -When conditions allow, some restricted areas are open to skiing on a day-by-day basis. A permit is required which you may pick up at the Rogers Pass Centre on the day you plan to ski. There is no additional fee for this permit. Skiing in a closed area without a permit is an offence.


• Voluntary Registration Service - Visitors may voluntarily register their trip plans with the park. Failure to check back in will initiate a search.


• Glacier Circle Bookstore - Operated by the Friends of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier, this bookstore is an excellent source for publications related to the Selkirk Mountains, Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass.


• All visitors must have a Park Pass. Winter campers require a Wilderness Pass in addition. These can be purchased at the Rogers Pass Centre.

Note: The source of the factual information on this page is from various Canadian Government web sites. Photos are credited to Parks Canada.

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