http://tas.groupemnd.com/en/gazex/gazex.html

Click on the 'videos' link to see it in action. Cool!

I know some folks that, with a couple of bean burritos and a sixer, could accomplish the same thing for a LOT less money.

Fire in the hole!!!

MarthaP wrote:I know some folks that, with a couple of bean burritos and a sixer, could accomplish the same thing for a LOT less money.

Fire in the hole!!!

seems a tad intrusive, visually, although I wonder if it is better in terms of pollution?

Same reaction here, it looks awfully ugly and intrusive.

It does look ugly, but I think its a good idea for highly populated areas where inexperienced people may become victimized of avalanches very easily.

Dingus Milktoast wrote:You're thread title says new but the web site says since 1988. A decent I do frequently on Red Lake Peak passes right next to one of these things (right over the highway). That thing has been there for 10 years at least?

DMT

Perhaps it's just my ignorance, but it's my impression that this technology (& technology in general) takes awhile to overtake the previous way of doing things. I just discovered it after finding out that this system is going to be installed near Lee Vining, where it was not used before. Regardless of how 'new' it is, I'd guess that many people who frequent areas where this would be employed are/were unaware of it.

So here's a place that looks like a likely candidate for installation

John Duffield wrote:So here's a place that looks like a likely candidate for installation

Ruin your whole day if you skied under that at the wrong time.

fku wrote:Already installed

Ewwwwww. I'd throw a fit if I ever saw those things in the Wasatch.

I wonder what is worse?: the visual pollution of these devices, or the cons of using explosives and howitzer shells, which leave less visible traces but still litter the slopes and possibly add to water pollution.

Perhaps a better (albeit more expensive solution) is to just build more avalanche sheds over roadways (although they are HELL to cycle through). Buildings can be constructed to deflect and resist the flows of avalanches as well, it just isn't cheap.