Parks Canada Tackles Spring Avalanche Hazards In Mountain Parks

By NPT Staff - April 18th, 2023

People need to be aware of increased avalanche risks in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in spring.

There are increased avalanche risks in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in spring/Parks Canada

Warm temperatures forecast for Jasper National Park and Banff National Park have boosted the avalanche hazard and required avalanche control work.

For public safety, the Icefields Parkway was closed for several hours Friday from Parker Ridge to the Big Bend parking lot for avalanche control to reduce snow on Parker Ridge and reduce the avalanche hazard prior to the warm temperatures.

“Parks Canada only closes roads when absolutely necessary, when weather, road or avalanche conditions present a risk to human life,” it said in a news release. “When roads are closed, gates are locked for the safety of park visitors and motorists. Breaking gates or intruding into avalanche control areas is unsafe and illegal.”

It reminds people to monitor 511.Alberta.ca for updates. Backcountry users should check avalanche.ca for updated conditions.

During spring, warming conditions can cause frequent short-notice delays. Motorists should be prepared for changing conditions and should consider traveling earlier in the day or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

Backcountry users should be aware that avalanche hazards will increase in the afternoon as daytime warming weakens the upper snowpack. Pay attention to how quickly the day is warming up and to changing snow conditions on sunny aspects.

“Now is the time to start and end your adventure early to avoid the increased hazard in the afternoon,” Parks Canada said.

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