Winter Canadian Armed Forces Familiarization visits to Operation PALACI for the Kootenay Sea, Army and Air Cadet units has begun. On January 21, the first group of Cadets traveled to Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park to learn more about the never ending ‘Snow War.’

Op PALACI is the longest military mission in Canada, with an objective to assist Parks Canada in keeping the Trans-Canada Highway safe from natural avalanches. Cadets from 552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (Cranbrook) and 904 Kootenai Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (Creston) spent the afternoon with members of the Avalanche Control team, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, learning more about avalanche control and its importance.

After watching a short video on Avalanche Control and touring the Park Museum Centre, cadets visited the 1 RCHA Gun Troop barracks, which is provided by Parks Canada where cadets were shown the sleeping quarters, lounge and mess hall. The seven-member team of the artillery task force demonstrated how they would load the C3 105 mm Howitzer gun in preparation to fire.

Cadets watched the team work together from the entire procedure of moving the more than two ton gun out of the shed, setting it up to do its job and returning home. It became very apparent on how accurate they have to be as they set the elevation and firing trajectory for the gun. All of the settings are verified at least three times, to ensure they stayed on target.

For 55 years, this Operation has been assisting Parks Canada with avalanche control, keeping the Canadian Pacific Railway and Trans-Canada Highway safe from natural avalanches. Parks Canada does not make the decision to close the highway for controlled avalanches lightly. Their members provide the science and forecasting, the Canadian Forces provides the firepower. This year the avalanche risk has been quite low in Glacier National Park, but all members of the team know that they could be called to action at any time.

Thanks to this experience, the air cadets have a gained an understanding of why Avalanche Control is so important and how well executed the operation is. A valuable experience that garnered lessons learned and fond memories for all involved!

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