Avalanches close section of Icefields Parkway

Several avalanches closed off sections of the Icefields Parkway on March 21, 2026. (Kootenay National Park)

Avalanche control efforts by Parks Canada Saturday triggered several avalanches along Highway 93 North.

Photos posted to the Kootenay National Parks Facebook page show the large wall of snow resulting from one of those avalanches.

A size four avalanche on the Mount Hector slide path covered a 250 metre section of the Icefields Parkway.

It’s estimated the snow depth on the road measures at least six metres deep.

Parks Canada is now working to remove all the debris which means Highway 93 North will be closed between Lake Louise and Jasper until further notice.

Drivers are encouraged to check Alberta 511 for updates on when the road may reopen.

Warm temperatures last week prompted avalanche warnings in Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks have had an impact on many people travelling through the Rocky Mountains over the past week.

Avalanches closed the Trans Canada Highway between Golden and Revelstoke.