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
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.