Lakes, rivers and streams have risen dramatically in Jasper National Park over the last 10 days, due to late snowmelt and a lot of rain.
"Parks Canada would like to remind the public about the importance of water safety as levels continue to rise and new hazards are being created, sometimes in very unexpected places in the park," said Steve Young, spokesman for Jasper National Park.
Parking lots, day use areas and trails close to the river have flooded throughout the park and hazardous tree debris is also being carried by the high current creating log jams.
Parks' visitor safety specialists said there is still a significant amount of snow at higher elevations - and this combined with persistent rain means that rivers and streams will continue to swell.
Young said visitors and residents need to be aware of the potential for or presence of hazards including high river levels and very fast moving water.
There is danger of rock fall from steep river and canyon banks, as well as hidden obstacles under water. Backcountry bridges may be impassable or have been swept away - and bridges may be impossible to pass under in your watercraft.
Paddlers will encounter new sweepers (fallen trees partially or completely blocking passage on a body of water) and strainers (obstructions in a river that only limited amounts water can pass through).
And previously fordable creeks may now be impassable.
These hazards will continue until the alpine snowpack melts and rainfall returns back to more seasonal levels.
Check the Jasper National Park website for the latest trails information before heading out at .
