The ski patrol using WWII technology to stop avalanches

August 16, 2026

Discover how Mammoth Mountain ski patrol teams use advanced safety methods and historic artillery technology to control avalanches and protect skiers during extreme storms.

Before sunrise at Mammoth Mountain, ski patrollers head into the storm.
Before sunrise at Mammoth Mountain, ski patrollers head into the storm.

Their mission is to stop avalanches before they begin.

The team works in brutal snow and whiteout conditions.
The team works in brutal snow and whiteout conditions.

Danger is part of every shift on the mountain.

Avalanches can form quickly after heavy snowfall and strong winds.
Avalanches can form quickly after heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Without intervention, entire slopes can become unstable.

To reduce the risk, crews trigger controlled slides themselves.
To reduce the risk, crews trigger controlled slides themselves.

Explosives are used to release dangerous snow safely.

One of their most powerful tools has an unexpected history.
One of their most powerful tools has an unexpected history.

It was originally built as a World War II artillery weapon.

Today, the cannon is aimed at snow-covered mountain terrain.
Today, the cannon is aimed at snow-covered mountain terrain.

Its purpose is prevention instead of combat.

Patrollers often fire without seeing their exact target.
Patrollers often fire without seeing their exact target.

Storm conditions can completely erase visibility.

Every decision carries serious consequences for the crew.
Every decision carries serious consequences for the crew.

A single mistake could put lives at risk.

Before entering the mountain, each patroller signs in by name.
Before entering the mountain, each patroller signs in by name.

No one finishes work until the entire team returns safely.

Most visitors never witness the work happening before dawn.
Most visitors never witness the work happening before dawn.

But every safe ski day depends on crews facing the storm first.