Ice Profiling in Action
The Winter Road linking Tlicho communities is an engineering feat requiring months of detailed planning and teamwork to construct. A critical aspect of constructing safely is how Tlicho Engineering & Environmental Service (TEES) works on the ice. TEES has begun using ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology to give them precise, real-time data to determine ice thickness and integrity -- to millimeters – to protect crew safety and operate at maximum efficiency to open the road as early as possible.
GPR uses radar to measure ice thickness, identify weak spots, and create a detailed picture of the ice and what lies beneath, including:
- ice thickness to ensure it’s strong enough for vehicles
- cracks, air pockets, or slush to manage before they can cause problems
- mapping the terrain below the ice to plan routes over lakes and rivers
- monitor ice growth throughout the winter.
This technology improves safety, reduces risks, and ensures the environment is protected during construction.