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Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL)

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Improved ice removal patent

Dr. Emily Asenath-Smith displays an ice laminate grown on a surface using her patented invention, “Vertical draw system and method for surface...

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New cold weather facilities

Olivier Montmayeur, a research mechanical engineer at U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering...

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National OHWM Data Sheet

The National Technical Committee for Ordinary High Watermarks (OHWM), made up of researchers from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development...

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Testing new oil cleanup method

Kate Trubac, a Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory research general engineer, oversees an in-situ burn experiment conducted with the...

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Mapping at the speed of light

A unique team of experts uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to scan areas to create incredibly detailed maps of them.

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About CRREL

The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory is solving challenges in all climates, particularly Earth’s coldest regions.

Welcome

At ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), we’re developing innovative solutions for science and engineering challenges in extreme environments. Learn about what we do and how you can join us.

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See CRREL in action

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Video by Jared Eastman, Joseph Bara, Justin Campfield
Winter Route Planning Algorithm
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center
June 3, 2025 | 2:20
The U.S. Army is taking a significant step forward in cold-weather operations with the initial rollout and testing of a groundbreaking new capability designed to optimize routes for vehicles traveling in challenging winter terrain. Developed by ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), the Winter Route Planning (WRP) algorithm promises to dramatically reduce the risk of vehicle immobilization and increase overall efficiency when routing soldiers to desired target locations. The WRP algorithm isn’t just about finding the shortest distance between two points. It intelligently analyzes a complex array of factors – including detailed terrain data, current snowpack conditions, and the specific characteristics of the vehicle being used – to generate the optimal route. This optimal route can be based on time to target, fuel efficiency, on-road, off-road, a combination of both on and off-road along with other parameters. This means a path designed to minimize the chance of getting stuck, bogged down, or otherwise delayed by winter’s challenges. Currently being tested and refined, the WRP algorithm is continuously being enhanced and integrated with the widely-used Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) software. Users input their desired start and destination points within TAK, and the WRP algorithm swiftly generates the best possible route. Crucially, the route is then displayed within the TAK interface, alongside a live view of the vehicle’s current position.
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Winter Route Planning Algorithm
Winter Route Planning Algorithm
CRREL researchers test equipment at home of “World’s Worst Weather”
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1:36
CRREL researchers test equipment at home of “World’s Worst Weather”
ERDC scientists pioneer 3-D ice printing
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1:07
ERDC scientists pioneer 3-D ice printing
ERDC hosts first-of-its-kind cold weather manufacturing challenge
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1:24
ERDC hosts first-of-its-kind cold weather manufacturing challenge
ERDC breaks ground on new Permafrost Tunnel Operations Facility
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2:08
ERDC breaks ground on new Permafrost Tunnel Operations Facility
ERDC-CRREL scientists install sensor-laden buoys in one of the planet’s “hardest places” to reach
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3:07
ERDC-CRREL scientists install sensor-laden buoys in one of the planet’s “hardest places” to reach
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News

ERDC and the 109th Airlift Wing team up for aviation first
7/8/2025
ERDC's Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) has performed decades of research and fieldwork establishing that 55 inches of ice is the thickness required to land an LC-130 (a...
CRREL Develops Winter Route Planning Algorithm
6/3/2025
Developed by ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), the Winter Route Planning (WRP) algorithm promises to dramatically reduce the risk of vehicle immobilization and increase...
Army Geospatial Center’s Matthew Rifkin Selected for ERDC University
5/30/2025
Matthew Rifkin, a physical scientist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Army Geospatial Center (AGC), has been chosen as one of five USACE participants for the 2025 session of the U.S. Army...
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