Jasper National Park has reopened the Maligne Lake Road after avalanche control monitoring.

The closure was lifted at 3 p.m. today (May 2). It began May 1 at 12 p.m. and was in place in the wake of 25 cm of snow that fell between Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 2.

The storm, which increased the avalanche hazard, required assessment by Jasper’s public safety team.

Parks Canada said the agency only closes roads when absolutely necessary, when weather, road or avalanche conditions present a risk to human life.

“When roads are closed, gates are locked for the safety of park visitors and motorists. Breaking gates or intruding into avalanche control areas is unsafe and illegal.”

Backcountry safety

Jasper National Park avalanche forecasters are reminding backcountry users to be aware that avalanche hazards will increase in the afternoon as daytime warming weakens the upper snowpack.

“Pay attention to how quickly the day is warming up and to changing snow conditions on sunny aspects,” the memo advises. “Now is the time to start and end your adventure early to avoid the increased hazard in the afternoon.”

Check avalanche.ca for updated conditions.