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Seal Bombs for Backcountry Avalanche Control?
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With ski patrols using explosives to keep skiers safe within the ski area what is the feasibility of obtaining a ATF permit to use Seal Bombs for personal avalanche control when skiing in the backcountry?
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I think the last thing people want it untouched backcountry to be littered with bomb holes. Bombs are only used for resorts/near resorts and honestly they kind of ruin the snow within their blast radius. I doubt any true backcountry skiers would want this.
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I think the main issue would be if there were recreational skiers out with bombs in the b.c. with the go ahead to blast slopes there would be great danger to other skiers in the area that said bombers may not know about. At a ski resort they can control the run out area and be completely sure nobody is there. I personally don't want to have to worry about other skiers triggering an avalanche above me with explosives while out for a tour.
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yeah i don't want anyone out in "regular" bc zones throwing bombs all over the place, even if they don't pop anything above me
BUT i have always wondered why it's not more common for people on heli excursions way the hell out there with no one else around to use bombs like that
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Not much different to dropping a cornice into a slope to test snow stability. It would have its uses, but would certainly lead to irresponsible actions and decisions by some.
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i wonder if beanbag guns would help with avalanche control, or maybe throwing darts
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I've thought about a rechargeable one shot avalanche started that you could carry into the bc, sorta along the lines of any Avi pack and using compressed air. Just a canister on a line that you could toss and trigger a concussive shock wave, anyone want to kick start this?
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Where the hell do you even buy seal bombs?
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I did an oec course and the instructor had years of experience with explosives in North america and europe. He told us of 3 or 4 patrollers who had been killed by mistakes they made, and in one case a faulty charge that killed two people. Extremely high risk for one or two people to use in the backcountry, just to clear one run for themselves. For resorts or DOT it makes sense (terrain is definitely closed when bombing, more people/revenue will be able to ski that area) but I do like the idea of a rechargeable compressed air powered charge.
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I heard earlier someone mention that heliguides should be able to use explosives if they have proper training and this sounds like a good idea instead of the general public.
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