AVSS – Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc. (AVSS) is proud to share results from its Precision Avalanche Management System (PAMS) testing in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Department of National Defence, Parks Canada, Transport Canada and Natural Resources Canada through the Innovative Solutions Canada program. The testing of the PAMS occurred in February and March 2026 in Jasper, Alberta, Canada. 

The testing results from using a drone to support avalanche control work with dropping explosives not only demonstrated the operational benefits and potential use cases for avalanche professionals, but also the collaborative opportunities for Canadian-owned companies to commercialize their new intellectual property and technology with end users from the Government of Canada.

In February and March, AVSS traveled to Jasper National Park to conduct avalanche control with live explosives. The first set of tests demonstrated AVSS’s system and operational abilities of safely operating drones for avalanche control work. The second set of tests gathered key system and operational data to demonstrate the potential operational use cases of the technology. This avalanche control testing program also seems to be the first documented regulatory-approved use of drones for avalanche control work that involved dropping live explosives in Canada. 

Testing from this program has demonstrated the potential value of drone technology and how it can be incorporated into existing avalanche control programs as a new tool to their existing safe operations. Findings from this testing included ideal drop heights, best practices for safe drone operations for avalanche control, regulatory approvals for drone avalanche control work, and validation in varying operational environments. Furthermore, use cases were explored where a drone can augment the existing operations. AVSS will be highlighting some of the lessons learned and features of the technology at the upcoming Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) conference in May in Penticton, B.C. As well, the findings from this initial testing program have provided AVSS with the ability to demonstrate a remotely controlled drop system and an automatic safe arming system, which does not arm the initiation system until the drone has reached a safe altitude from take-off, and reached a position within the drop radius of the target avalanche path.  

The genesis of this technology is derived from AVSS’s guided delivery product line. However, unlike the guided parachute system, this does not include parachutes. The PAMS technology includes an aerial drop system integrated with a drone, a pull wire initiation system, and a sled housing that holds a traditional cast booster, which can be remotely dropped through the remote controller.  

About ISC: Innovative Solutions Canada is an initiative designed to stimulate technology research, development, and commercialization of Canadian innovations. The program’s Challenge Stream and Testing Stream help startups and small/medium-sized businesses (SMEs) overcome technology testing and development hurdles so that they can produce globally-demanded products and services, while also improving government operations. 

About AVSS: Founded in 2017, AVSS, a Canadian-owned company, started developing compliant safety products for commercial drones. These safety products are used worldwide and can be purchased from more than 70 partners. In 2020, AVSS expanded its product offerings with guided and unguided delivery systems. The delivery systems enable critical resupply when landing a drone, helicopter, or small airplane is not an option. In 2025, AVSS announced their newest innovation, the Precision Avalanche Management System (PAMS), for the proactive management and mitigation of avalanches. In 2026, AVSS introduced the Flying Beehive product line, which allows for air-launched FPV.