Avalanche warning issued for Kananaskis Country

Government of Alberta - A special avalanche warning for recreational backcountry users is in effect from today to Monday, February 12.  The areas affected include Alberta Parks Kananaskis Country, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper, and Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks.  For the past two weeks, these regions have been in a prolonged period of elevated avalanche danger and a major avalanche cycle where numerous large avalanches have run into the valley bottom.

Fatal skiing accident at Nakiska

RCMP Alberta - At approximately 9:00 am on November 13, 2017, Kananaskis RCMP were called to a fatal skiing accident at Nakiska Ski Hill. A 35 year old male from the French National Ski Team died as a result of injuries received after the skier caught an edge and crashed through the safety netting striking a tree. Medical personal and team doctor were at the scene immediately after the accident but were unable to resuscitate him. The French National Ski Team had been training in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.

Special Public Avalanche Warning issued for Waterton Lakes National Park, Kananaskis Country, South Rockies, Lizard, Flathead regions

map of the affected locations

Parks Canada - A Special Public Avalanche Warning for recreational backcountry users has been issued for Friday, February 10 to Monday, February 13. The areas affected include: Kananaskis Country and Waterton Lakes National

Park, and Avalanche Canada’s South Rockies and Lizard and Flathead regions. The southern part of the Purcells region is also included.

Fall burn intended to protect Kananaskis Valley

Alberta Parks - Alberta Parks has started a series of prescribed fires in the Kananaskis Valley to help manage future wildfires and keep grasslands and forests healthy.  Designed to protect public safety, promote habitat diversity and maintain ecological and recreational values in the area, the Evan-Thomas 10-Year Vegetation Management Strategy (ETVMS) plans for two prescribed burns each year over 10 years.