What is the purpose of firing live mortar shells into mountain snowpacks?

Responses

The resulting explosion melts the snow sufficiently to eliminate any danger it might pose
The resulting explosion melts the snow sufficiently to eliminate any danger it might pose

The use of weapons in any situation such as this deters possible criminal activity
The use of weapons in any situation such as this deters possible criminal activity

The noise of the explosion warms skiers, hikers, and others to stay out of the area
The noise of the explosion warms skiers, hikers, and others to stay out of the area

The explosions cause snow to break loose and fall down the mountain in controlled avalanches
The explosions cause snow to break loose and fall down the mountain in controlled avalanches