Watch: Colorado ski patrol blows up the side of a mountain to prevent avalanches
The ski patrol was part of Telluride Ski Resort in southwestern Colorado. Setting the explosives allows them to help ensure snow build-up will not lead to an avalanche.
Watch: Ski patrol blow up the side of a mountain to prevent avalanches
In southwestern Colorado, explosives were launched into the snowy mountain as part of avalanche mitigation. (Courtesy: Telluride Ski Resort)
Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado released footage showing ski patrol launching explosives into a snowy mountainside.
According to Telluride Ski Resort, about 12 inches of snow fell at the resort within 36 hours. To ensure the snow would be safe for visitors to enjoy, the ski patrol conducted avalanche mitigation efforts.
In a video recorded on Wednesday, the team can be seen venturing out into the mountains on skis and a snowmobile, with their bright red jackets popping on the wintry white landscape.
Ski patrol on skis and snowmobile.
(Telluride Ski Resort / FOX Weather)
One member, standing on skis, throws an explosive into the side of a mountain.
An explosive is thrown into the snow.
(Telluride Ski Resort / FOX Weather)
With ears plugged, the ski patrol waits for the explosion, which bursts into a sharp, gray bloom that soon fades into a soft cloud of smoke.
The explosive detonates.
(Telluride Ski Resort / FOX Weather)
Other images show explosives being launched into the mountain from afar.
HOW CANNONS ARE USED TO FIGHT AVALANCHES
![Members of ski patrol launching explosives into the mountain.]()
Image 1 of 2Members of ski patrol launching explosives into the mountain. (Telluride Ski Resort)
![Members of ski patrol launching explosives into the mountain.]()
Image 2 of 2Members of ski patrol launching explosives into the mountain. (Telluride Ski Resort)
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, an average of 27 deaths have occurred due to avalanches over the last 10 winters in the U.S.
Jackson Hole Ski Patrol enjoys the snow while monitoring for avalanches
Mike Rheam of Jackson Hole Ski Patrol discusses the favorable ski conditions in Wyoming and explains what measures are being taken to protect visitors from avalanches.
Setting off explosives, such as those used by the Telluride Ski Resort ski patrol, help prevent the conditions can lead to a deadly avalanche.