The Icefields Parkway will reopen at 2 p.m. MST today (Thursday, March 26).
Parks Canada has said that a 250-metre section of highway covered in avalanche debris up to 12 metres deep has been cleared and that the road will reopen from the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) to Jasper.
“Using a combination of loaders, dozers, excavators and snow plows, crews worked tirelessly around the clock to safely clear the slide path as quickly as possible,” public relations personnel wrote in a stakeholder update.
The unprecedented debris was the result of large avalanches, including a size four slide, brought down from the slopes of Mount Hector, 18 km north of Lake Louise. Using explosives, on March 21 Banff National Park public safety technicians triggered avalanches which ran historically large. The results followed a prolonged winter storm which produced extreme avalanche conditions across Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks. The control work closed the Icefields Parkway last Saturday.
“Avalanche control is conducted every winter on Mt. Hector, however this the first time to Parks Canada’s knowledge that the slide has reached the road twice in the same season,” the update said.
Motorists can expect a section of single lane alternating traffic on the Icefields Parkway. A no stopping zone has also been established.
Parks Canada thanked visitors for their patience during this prolonged closure.
“Parks Canada only closes roads when necessary: when weather, road or avalanche conditions present a risk to motorists. We appreciate and understand extended closures affect on people and businesses. Our aim is to keep these events as brief as possible,” a statement said.
Motorists are reminded to check 511Alberta for traffic updates.
Skier and other backcountry travellers can find daily avalanche reports at avalanche.ca
Jasper Local Staff // info@thejasperlocal.com
