Canadian Military to End Rogers Pass Avalanche Control in 2027

The Canadian military will end its decades-long role in avalanche control along Rogers Pass, a critical transportation corridor in British Columbia, after the current agreement expires in August 2027.

The Department of National Defence announced the decision, citing defence modernization policies and the divestment of legacy artillery systems. For more than 60 years, military gun crews have used 105-millimetre howitzer field guns positioned along the TransCanada Highway to fire shells that trigger controlled avalanches, preventing dangerous buildups during winter months. The pass, part of Highway 1 and the CPKC rail corridor, serves as the primary route linking Vancouver and Calgary, with alternative paths requiring lengthy detours through the Rocky Mountains.

Parks Canada, which oversees the area, stated it remains in active discussions with the defence department to ensure continued safety and uninterrupted flow of vehicles and goods. The agency emphasized that maintaining access through the pass is a top priority.

The move has sparked concern over potential disruptions to a vital economic artery. More than 4,000 vehicles and 40 trains traverse Rogers Pass daily, according to...