What is the purpose of explosives when doing avalanche control work?

• A. To trigger avalanches
• B. To stabilize snow and release excessive snow build up
• C. To mark slopes
• D. To clear trees

Answer: (B)

Explosives in avalanche control are used to relieve instability in the snowpack by triggering a controlled avalanche on a chosen slope. This deliberate release allows the snow to shed excess buildup and weak layers in a predictable way, rather than letting a large, unpredictable slide happen later. By performing these controlled releases, the slope becomes safer for people and infrastructure in the area, reducing the risk of a major avalanche. So the main idea is to stabilize the snow and manage its buildup through controlled release, not to mark slopes or clear trees.