Ice Profiling in Action

Ice Profiling in Action

Ice Profiling in Action

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.