Between Abisko and Björkliden avalanches often cause traffic problems. Photo: Linda Josjö
Avalanche control near the Iron Ore Line and E10
Near the Nuolja mountain range between Abisko and Björkliden, avalanches often cause traffic problems. For this reason, there has been a preventive avalanche control system in place for the last few years. Be attentive when you are in the avalanche area.
At the risk of an avalanche, personnel is alerted who can detonate controlled explosions from a distance at an early stage . This means that no large snow masses are built up. The system is based on gas and consists of steel pipes that are filled with an explosive mix of propane and oxygen through tubes.
Avalanche control is carried out from December to May
Avalanche control is carried out from December to May each year, without warning or signal on site. Detonations normally occur some time between 05:30 and 07:30. They may also occur at other hours in an emergency. During detonation, the Iron Ore Line and the E10 are closed to traffic.
Facts
- In this area, road and rail traffic run along steep rock walls, which increases the avalanche risk.
- Should the road be blocked by an avalanche, the traffic will have to be diverted to a route that is 620 km longer.
- Approximately 33 per cent of all freight traffic in Sweden run on the Iron Ore Line.