Feb 6, 2026 In high risk winter regions, avalanche control teams use controlled detonations to prevent large, dangerous snow slides before they occur naturally. In some areas, including parts of the United States and Europe, artillery or explosive systems trigger small avalanches on purpose so that snowpack instability can be released in a safe, managed way rather than letting it build up and threaten roads, infrastructure, or populated zones. Historically, military howitzers and artillery were