Avalanche mitigation near Castle Peak. A helicopter is using a suspended firefighting-style water bucket as a mechanical trigger, knocking down unstable cornices to intentionally release snow under controlled conditions. Cornices are one of the most common natural avalanche triggers. If they collapse without warning, they can send large slabs down the slope. Bringing them down on purpose allows crews to control the timing, stabilize the terrain, and create a safer path for recovery teams.  No e