With a weekend storm expected to bring heavy rain and the possibility of snow to some parts of southern Alberta, Parks Canada has been forced to temporarily close several roads in Waterton Lakes National Park.
A rainfall warning, issued by Environment Canada for the area around Waterton, calls for heavy rain to start falling Friday afternoon and continue into the weekend, before tapering off Saturday night.
The temperature is also expected to drop, which could cause the rain to turn to snow over higher elevations.
Parks Canada said up to 200 mm of precipitation, including up to 10 cm of snow could fall during the storm.
Parks Canada warns that up to 200 millimetres of precipitation, including up to 10 centimetres of snow could fall in the area around the Akamina and Red Rock Parkways, on the west side of Wateron Lakes National Park.
Global News
In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, Parks officials have decided to temporarily close the Akamina Parkway and the Red Rock Parkway to vehicle traffic.
The two roads are located on the west side of Waterton National Park and are popular scenic drives for tourists.
A map from 511Alberta shows the location (in red) of the Akamina and Red Rock Parkways, in Waterton Lakes National Park, that have been closed because of the storm forecast to hit the area this weekend.
511Alberta
Parks Canada warns the heavy precipitation could cause slides of rock and debris in areas of steep terrain as it did when the area was hit by a strong storm in 2023.
Parks Canada warns the heavy rain and snow forecast for the area around Waterton Lakes National Park could cause slides of rocks and debris, similar to another storm in 2023.
Global News
Strong winds are also expected, which could also cause tree damage, especially in areas that have been previously damaged by forest fires.
If any rescue operations were needed, Parks Canada warns they could be challenging in such inclement weather.
The two roads are scheduled to remain closed until the storm has passed and Parks Canada crews have had time to assess and repair any damage.
