Alta • Mount Baldy presents some of the trickiest avalanche-control problems in North America. Twenty-three chutes fall from the rounded treeless summit’s north face, each posing a threat to Alta Ski Area’s Ballroom and connected terrain at the top of Collins Bowl.
For years, workers at the popular Utah resort have used explosive projectiles fired from a 105 mm howitzer and nonrifled guns known as Avalaunchers to blast down avalanches. But now ski area managers fear the use of military ordnance may soon end and are looking for an alternative.
With the blessing of the U.