Remote Alaska project named runner up winner in 2025 “Show Us Our Snow Guards” contest

Using a snow retention system for the first time from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards was all it took to capture a runner up prize in the commercial category!

Call it beginner’s luck. When Rock-N-Road Construction submitted an entry on a whim in the 2025 “Show Us Our Snow Guards” Contest, they never expected to win. However, the covered picnic pavilion built by the company at a remote Alaska campground using a snow retention system for the first time from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards was all it took to capture a runner up prize in the commercial category.

“Winning felt very fake at first!” says Ambre Burrell, vice president of Rock-N-Road Construction out of Petersburg, Alaska. “Once we knew it wasn’t a prank, we got very excited. Our guys treat every job like it’s their personal home and the El Capitan Campground was no different.”

Choosing a winning system

Burrell relates that her company was awarded the project from the U.S. Forest Service to create three campsites with tables, upgrade the road system, install an outhouse, put up new signage and build the new covered pavilion. The oceanfront campground offers a scenic view of the El Capitan Passage and is located in the Tongass National Forest.

“I worked really close with Andy Guiterrez with Rocky Mountain Snow Guards’ estimating team and he was amazing,” says Burrell. “He helped with the structure’s design and footage we needed, and was quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had.

“We ended up installing S-5!^® X-Gard 2.0 with S-5!^® N clamps and X-Clips II on the 26-gauge steel roof. Our Alaska winters can be pretty harsh, so making sure we have quality products was really important to us.”

Need for snow retention

According to Austin Thomas with the USDA Forest Service, the campground on Prince of Whales Island is open all year round, with annual snow accumulation of three to five feet. The snow, which tends to be extremely heavy, shuts down the road and during wintertime the campsite is accessible only by boat.

“This area was originally a logging camp in the early ‘70’s,” says Thomas, landscape architect for USDA out of the Sitka Ranger District in Alaska. “After the late 90’s a trail was constructed to the El Cap cave, the largest known cave in Alaska. Recreation use in the area increased the need for the U.S. Forest Service to improve this space and provide amenities for people."

“The high quality of work supplied by Rock-N-Road Construction, along with their technical skills and the right equipment, made them a perfect fit for this job,” says Thomas. “They demonstrated a willingness to work with us throughout the construction process and their team completed the work ahead of schedule.”

With both the El Capitan campground project and the contest win behind them, Burrell has a solid vision for moving forward. “This was our first job for the U.S. Forest Service, and they loved the Rocky Mountain Snow Guards products,” says Burrell. “We’re now working a lot of jobs with them, so I’d assume we are going to be using Rocky Mountain Snow Guards for years to come!”

About Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc.

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company offers free layouts and quotes for product placement, plus free training for roofing contractors and architects. Metal products are warrantied for 50 years. Proud Corporate Partner of Freedom Service Dogs and founder of National Snow Guards Safety Month. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.