RACS on Arnøya

From the winter season of 2024/2025 a system of 24 O’bellX+ units will provide avalanche protection along two avalanche-prone areas on county road 7940, on the south and east sides of Arnøya in Northern Troms. 

Avalanche forecasting and regular avalanche controls will be conducted. When the avalanche risk increases, the road will be closed for about 30 to 45 minutes and controlled avalanches will be triggered. Through frequent detonations, the avalanches will be small, and the need to clear avalanche debris from the road will be minimal.

In addition to the avalanche towers, two avalanche radars, two infrared cameras and two PTZ (Paan Tilt Zoom) cameras will be installed to monitor avalanche activity on the mountainside. The radar detects avalanches also when its dark, which is particularly useful when you are in the Artic. This contributes to safer decision-making on whether avalanche control should be initiated.