Risk of avalanches in Banff, Jasper national parks with spring storm in forecast
Posted Apr 8, 2023 11:11 am.
Banff and Jasper national parks are set to be hit by a spring storm, and with it comes a risk of avalanche, says Parks Canada.
The storm with warm temperatures is expected to start Sunday.
Parks Canada says avalanche control work is expected to start after the storm has passed and when it’s safe to do so.
Park closures are likely during the spring, when rising temperatures melt the snow – especially in the afternoon.
The Maligne Lake Road will be closed Sunday at 7 a.m. from Maligne Hostel to Maligne Lake; it will reopen on Monday. The day use area at Maligne Canyon and Maligne Hostel will remain open, says Parks Canada.
Parks Canada adds the Icefields Parkway will also be closed Sunday at 3 p.m. from Parker Ridge to Saskatchewan River Crossing. The closure could last between four hours and up to an entire day, depending on the amount of snow to be cleared from the parkway.
Hiking is not recommended on the Pat Schehan traverse or Panther Falls hike until after the storm has passed.
Parks Canada is asking backcountry users to plan ahead by checking the weather forecast, having an emergency kit, and checking avalanche.ca for updated conditions.
