Icefields Parkway Closes for Avalanche Control as Major Storm Hits

A stretch of the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper will close Thursday morning as a powerful winter storm moves into the Canadian Rockies, raising avalanche danger across the region.

Parks Canada says Highway 93 will shut down at 10 a.m. on Feb. 26 between Parker Ridge and Saskatchewan Crossing to allow crews to conduct avalanche control work. The closure is expected to remain in place until late afternoon on Feb. 27.

The shutdown comes as forecasters warn of rapidly worsening mountain conditions. Avalanche Canada says dangerous or very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected in most forecast regions over the next several days.

Environment forecasts call for 15 to 35 centimetres of snow, depending on the region, along with wind gusts reaching about 47 km/h. Heavy snowfall combined with strong winds can quickly build unstable snow on steep slopes, increasing the risk of avalanches.

While the closure applies specifically to the stretch between Parker Ridge and Saskatchewan Crossing, Alberta 511 is also advising against travel on Highway 93 North between Lake Louise and Saskatchewan River Crossing, which serves as the gateway toward Nordegg.

As of early Thursday morning, that section of highway remains open but is listed as “travel not recommended.” Conditions include snow, icy and slippery sections, packed snow and ice, and reduced traction along the shoulders. Visibility is described as fair.

Avalanche forecasters say the snowpack is expected to become significantly less stable beginning Thursday afternoon as the storm intensifies. New snow and wind can form fragile layers within the snowpack, increasing the likelihood of natural avalanches and human-triggered slides.

Avalanche danger is expected to remain elevated through Saturday, particularly at higher elevations.

Parks Canada says road closures are implemented only when weather, road or avalanche conditions present a risk to human life. Travellers are advised to check 511.alberta.ca for updates before heading north toward Jasper.

Backcountry users are urged to reconsider travel plans and choose routes that avoid avalanche terrain until conditions improve.