Avalanche Roller Control 

A Unique Application for Industrial Remote Control 

An avalanche occurs when a mass of snow, ice and debris slides down a mountain slope. Weather, temperature, and terrain can compromise the snowpack’s stability. Ski resorts must prepare for these life-threatening events, and having the right equipment is crucial for everyone’s safety. Collaboration between equipment manufacturers and ski resorts creates opportunities for safe and innovative technologies to protect workers in hazardous environments.  

Industrial Remote Control for Avalanche Safety 

An equipment manufacturer of snow mitigation equipment for ski resorts in the western United States integrated BWI Eagle industrial remote controls with its avalanche rollers. The avalanche roller packs down snow and breaks it apart to reduce the risk of dangerous avalanches. Without this unique piece of machinery, ski resort workers would have to trek through the snow, climb steep terrain and pack it down manually with their boots. It is challenging and dangerous work.  

The avalanche roller is towed by a snowcat, which can safely lower it down steep slopes. This allows the ski resort workers to break up wind slabs that develop and open more terrain faster. The workers control the avalanche roller using an integrated BWI Air-Eagle XLT wireless remote control system to operate the hydraulic steering and electromagnetic drive clutch.  

With a remote control, workers can control the avalanche roller from a safer distance and vantage point. BWI Eagle systems offer an extended operating range, giving them greater flexibility on where they are located while controlling the avalanche roller.   

BWI Eagle Wireless Remote Control Products 

BWI wireless remote control systems allow operators to control equipment or machinery up to two miles away when using stationary transmitters. The industrial receivers are NEMA-rated and can be integrated with any electrical equipment or PLC. Customized programming and labeling are available to meet your requirements.