The Avalanche Guard® – safety that can be calculated

The Avalanche Guard patiently awaits being put into action. Installed in the mountains close to the avalanche starting zone, it is loaded with at least 10 launching charges and ready to release avalanches in inaccessible areas on computer command. The Avalanche Guard works reliably, even under adverse weather conditions. In the interest of safety during both action and resting phases, the protective cabinet of the Avalanche Guard is locked by a door which opens automatically when the system is activated by remote control.

Installation

The Avalanche Guard systems are installed in a safe location near the avalanche starting zone by means of foundations or rock anchors. They consist of one or two protective cabinets holding 10-explosive charges each. The operating personnel use a flip-up, lockable platform to insert the charges before the winter or during favorable periods.

Remote controlled

Launching is released from a safe location by means of a PC. The commands from the operating point to the Avalanche Guard are transmitted by secure radio control. A solar unit supplies the energy required for the electrical control in the protective cabinet with safety system, ignition generator, and automatic door activation.

Each shot a hit

The charges are fired to the selected target points and triggered individually. An electrical safety fuse ignites the propelling charge. On launching of the explosive charge from the tube, the tear-off fuses ignite the safety match cords. The blasting cap detonates the 6 lbs. (approx. 2.8 kg) of explosive in the target.

Wide coverage

Launching ranges of 160 to 500 ft (= 50 to 150 m) are reached thanks to different propellant charges, so that one Avalanche Guard covers an avalanche starting zone of 1000 ft (= 300 m).

Safety checking

The successful detonation is detected by the geophone and confirmed at the PC. The number of explosive charges still available in the launching cabinet is displayed on the screen.