Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
A special public avalanche warning has been issued for recreational backcountry users in Jasper, while the Icefield Parkway has closed south of town.
Issued by Avalanche Canada in partnership with Parks Canada, this special warning has already come into effect and will apply through to the end of Feb. 13.
鈥淥ur main concern is a critical weak layer buried about 60 cm below the snow surface throughout these regions,鈥� said James Floyer, forecasting program supervisor for Avalanche Canada, in a statement.
鈥淭his layer is deep enough to produce large avalanches, yet shallow enough to be triggered by a human or machine. The forecast of warm temperatures and sun will contribute to this problem this weekend.鈥�
The warning applies to numerous forecast regions in British Columbia and Alberta, including Sea to Sky, South Coast Inland, Cariboos, North and South Columbias, Kootenay-Boundary, Purcells, and Jasper and Glacier National Parks.
A natural avalanche has closed the Icefields Parkway at Parker Ridge, with Parks Canada saying further avalanche control work will be required.
The expected reopening is 6 p.m. with low confidence.
Maligne Lake Road will also be closed south of Watchtower on Feb. 10, but conditions will be reassessed for avalanche control, and the day use area at Maligne Canyon and Maligne Hostel will remain accessible.
Parks Canada said the continuing trend of warm temperatures combined with rainfall is increasing the likelihood for natural avalanche onto the roadway.
On Feb. 6, a natural avalanche had caused an unplanned closure along the Maligne Lake Road.
Backcountry users are encouraged to check regional avalanche forecasts at
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