California To Replace Avalanche Cannons on Popular Tahoe Ski Resort Pass

Caltrans is replacing 12 avalanche cannons along State Route 88 over Carson Pass and Carson Spur, one of the most active highway avalanche zones in North America and the access road for Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California.

“Caltrans does not anticipate any impacts to the traveling public. However, helicopter flights will be required to perform the construction work needed to replace avalanche control components,” the agency said.

Caltrans added that the cannon replacements will benefit drivers by enabling more reliable and effective avalanche operations. Work was slated to begin on July 1. Caltrans said the $10.4 million project has been contracted to Syblon Reid.

The cannons in question, called Gazex, are used by ski resorts and transportation agencies. They’re remote-operated and create powerful explosions in the air above the snowpack, meaning they can trigger avalanches from afar, keeping ski patrollers and other workers out of harm’s way. 

Caltrans said the project should be completed by early October.

Despite a far less snowy-than-usual 2025-26 ski season, SR-88 saw some closures last winter as temperatures dropped and precipitation increased. 

Several other avalanche-prone roadways have adopted remote avalanche control systems. 

The Utah Department of Transportation announced in 2024 that it would install several Wyssen Avalanche Towers along the Mount Superior ridgeline above State Route 210, the road that connects Salt Lake City, Utah, to Alta Ski Area and Snowbird.

Related: Ski Royalty Says “I Do”