Jasper National Park warns of forecasted spring storm
A spring storm expected to hit Jasper National Park on Easter Sunday is prompting precautionary road closures, officials say.
Maligne Lake Road and the Icefields Parkway will be closed April 9 as a spring storm moves through the area.
According to Environment Canada, overnight rain Saturday will continue the next day. While temperatures will remain above zero at the ground, snow is expected to fall at the upper mountain ranges.
"This will increase the avalanche hazard and may require avalanche control work," Parks Canada said in a statement. "Control work will take place after the storm has passed and conditions are safe to do so."
"Backcountry users planning the Pat Schehan traverse or Panther Falls hike on Sunday should reschedule their plans."
Maligne Lake Road will be closed Sunday at 7 a.m. from Maligne Hostel to Maligne Lake. Parks Canada says the Maligne Canyon and hostel will remain accessible to the public.
The park expects the road to reopen Monday.
The Icefields Parkway will close Sunday at 3 p.m. from Parker Ridge to Saskatchewan River Crossing. Parks Canada said the closure may last between four hours to overnight, depending on snow levels.
"During the spring months, warming conditions can cause frequent short-notice delays," the national park authority added. "If you're heading into the backcountry, 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 the changing snow conditions on sunny aspects."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
2 children among 5 people hospitalized after head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's west end
Two young children and three adults were seriously injured in a major collision on Highway 417 between Palladium Drive and Carp Road in Ottawa's west end Friday afternoon.