CAF keeps highways moving through Rogers Pass

February 28, 2023 - Western Sentinel

Earlier this month, reservists from across Canada deployed to British Columbia as part of Operation PALACI, where the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) support Parks Canada in controlling avalanches in Rogers Pass in British Columbia. This operation included deploying a C3 Howitzer next to the highway and visits from Commanders of 38, 39, and 41 Canadian Brigade Group.

This is the first year that all three Reserve Brigades in 3rd Canadian Division shared the task.

Op PALACI is the CAF’s support for the Parks Canada program to control avalanches in Rogers Pass. The goal of the mission is to bring down small avalanches in Rogers Pass before larger ones occur naturally.

From November to April, the CAF sends two groups of 15 to 20 artillery members on Op PALACI. They can come from both Regular and Reserve Force artillery units. Each group serves for about half the season.

Gun crews fire from 17 positions along the Trans‑Canada Highway. They use 105‑mm howitzer field guns that are modified for precision firing from roadside platforms. This prevents snow build-up that would produce dangerous, uncontrolled avalanches.

Caption

Reservists with 39 Canadian Brigade Group position a C3 howitzer during Operation PALACI, the Canadian Armed Forces’ support of Parks Canada in controlling avalanches in Rogers Pass, B.C.

Photo by Pte Daniel Pereira, 39 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Caption

The gun storage area for Operation PALACI, the Canadian Armed Forces’ support of Parks Canada in controlling avalanches in Rogers Pass, B.C.

Photo by Pte Daniel Pereira, 39 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Caption

Reservists from across Canada deployed to British Columbia in February as part of Operation PALACI to support Parks Canada in controlling avalanches in Rogers Pass, B.C.

Photo by Pte Daniel Pereira, 39 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Caption

Reservists from across Canada deployed to British Columbia in February as part of Operation PALACI to support Parks Canada in controlling avalanches in Rogers Pass, B.C.

Photo by Pte Daniel Pereira, 39 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

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