The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93N) will close this weekend for avalanche control work.

Avalanche specialists are forecasting that a winter storm will hit Jasper and Banff National Park this weekend, bringing as much as 40 cm of snow.

To manage the avalanche hazard on the Icefields Parkway, road closures will be required beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 through to Monday, February 24.

Closures will take place between Athabasca Falls and Saskatchewan Crossing to allow Parks Canada staff to conduct necessary avalanche control work.

“Check 511.alberta.ca before you depart for more the most up-to-date road conditions and status. Weather conditions may change or anticipated snowfall may be less than forecasted,” an email sent at 5:10 p.m. on Friday, February 21 states.

Parks Canada’s information on how the Icefields Parkway is managed, is available here.

Backcountry users should check avalanche.ca for updated conditions.