How Canada Cut a Highway Over Rogers Pass and Fired Howitzers to Keep It Open

How Canada Cut a Highway Over Rogers Pass and Fired Howitzers to Keep It Open How did Canada build a highway through one of the most avalanche-prone mountain passes in North America — and why does the military fire artillery to keep it open? In 1962, Canada completed the Trans-Canada Highway through Rogers Pass, deep in British Columbia's Selkirk Mountains. But carving a road through this dangerous terrain was only half the battle. Heavy snowfall, steep mountain slopes, and deadly avalanches threatened to shut down this vital transportation route every winter. The solution was extraordinary: avalanche sheds, massive engineering defenses, and Canadian Army crews firing 105mm howitzers into the mountains to trigger controlled avalanches before they could destroy the highway. In this documentary, we explore the incredible engineering history of Rogers Pass, the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway, the dangers faced by early railway workers and road builders, and the unusual military operation that continues to protect this critical Canadian mountain corridor. From historic railway disasters to explosive avalanche control, discover how Canada conquered one of its most challenging mountain crossings — and why keeping it open remains a constant battle against nature. Subscribe for more forgotten Canadian history, massive engineering projects, historic construction, and the incredible stories behind the roads, railways, and infrastructure that built Canada. #CanadianHistory #RogersPass #EngineeringHistory