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Avalanche hazards rising; parkway closed
Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park is currently closed because of high avalanche hazard.
The closure covers the road from Radium Hot Springs to the Highway 1 junction. DriveBC reports an assessment is in progress and no detour is available.
Avalanche Canada has issued a High Avalanche rating for the three mountain national parks (Banff, Yoho and Kootenay).
It reports a “widespread avalanche cycle is underway with many small and large avalanches observed on Tuesday. Avoid exposure to all avalanche terrain.”
Avalanche danger is also rated as “high” in the Purcells.
“Warming and heavy snow will overload the snowpack and drive the danger to HIGH. Surprising avalanche results may occur given our current snowpack. Conservative terrain use is essential this week and avoid overhead hazard,” Avalanche Canada noted.
The Southern Rockies and Lizard Range/Flathead are rated as considerable to high for avalanche danger.
“Stormy weather continues to keep the avalanche danger elevated. Avoid overhead hazards like cornices and steep cliffs where the snow may be weak. High freezing levels overnight with continued stormy weather will keep avalanche danger elevated,” said Avalanche Canada.
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