Parks Canada warns of avalanche hazards at Jasper and Banff parks
Posted April 14, 2023 9:45 am.
Parks Canada says warm temperatures are forecast to hit Jasper and Banff national parks Sunday, increasing the avalanche hazards in the region and requiring avalanche control work.
For public safety, park rangers say the Icefields Parkway is expected to be closed at 12 p.m. Friday from Parker Ridge to the Big Bend parking lot.
Avalanche control on Friday will reduce the amount of snow on Parker Ridge to reduce the avalanche hazard prior to the warm temperatures.
The Icefields Parkway is expected to re-open by Friday at 3 p.m.
Parks Canada says it closes roads only “when absolutely necessary when weather, road or avalanche conditions present a risk to human life.”
“When roads are closed, gates are locked for the safety of park visitors and motorists,” it said in a news release.
“Breaking gates or intruding into avalanche control areas is unsafe and illegal.”
Be prepared for ‘short notice delays’
In addition, more closures may occur as the snow melts this spring.
Rangers say warming conditions cause “frequent short notice delays,” so it recommends drivers be prepared for the changing conditions.
This includes driving earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler.
Meanwhile, those taking a trip to the backcountry are warned that avalanche hazards increase in the afternoon as it warms up in the day, weakening the “upper snowpack.”
“Pay attention to how quickly the day is warming up and to changing snow conditions on sunny aspects,” Parks Canada says.
Backcountry users are asked to check avalanche.ca for updated conditions.
Rangers ask drivers to check 511 Alberta for updates.
