Atmospheric river creates extreme avalanche hazard
The Icefields Parkway (Hwy93N) will remain closed until at least Saturday, March 21.
Extreme avalanche conditions have precipitated the prolonged closure, according to Parks Canada. On Monday the agency said control work would take until Friday, but a Thursday update extended the closure until Saturday.
Closures are also in effect on Hwy 93S. Both roads are expected to open at noon on March 21.
An atmospheric river weather event is causing the extreme avalanche conditions and risk to public safety, Parks Canada says.
“Avalanche forecasters predict this weather event to be the largest avalanche cycle of the season. Natural avalanches are expected to run to valley bottoms. Stay clear of avalanche paths.”
Hwy 93S traffic will be re-routed through Yoho National Park to Golden, BC. A temporary closure of the Trans-Canada Highway between Lake Louise and Field will be in place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday March 18.
Parks Canada says travellers should check 511Alberta and Drive BC for updated road closure information.
For more information on how the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93N) is managed, see Parks Canada’s website.
Jasper Local staff // info@thejasperlocal.com
