Trail 7 bear closure:

This closure is still in effect. Parks Canada Resource Conservation staff are busy dealing with several bears near the area and trail closure. So far two grizzly bears, one cinnamon black bear with two cubs and one black bear have been frequenting the closed area. Until the upper elevations open up, there will be several bears in the valley bottom using areas that have greened up. Please report all bear sightings and encounters to Parks Canada Jasper dispatch at 780-852-6155.

Law enforcement:

Park Wardens were busy on the long weekend, with rowdy campers from the Edmonton area. After being evicted on May 20 from a site at Wapiti campground for causing a disturbance at 3:30 a.m., three campers returned on May 21 to join a larger group. Park Wardens ended up evicting the entire group of 16 young adults, charging several under the Canada National Parks Act regulations for causing a disturbance, returning to a campground once evicted and leaving food and garbage out.

Keeping recreationalists safe:

Avalanche danger:

There is avalanche risk on trails located at higher elevations. This includes: Sulphur Skyline, Fryatt Valley, Geraldine Lakes valley, Wilcox Pass, Beauty Creek trail to Stanley Falls, Nigel Pass, Opal Hills and Portal Creek. Stay away from snow covered slopes if you have no avalanche training or equipment. 

Falling overhead ice danger:

Hanging curtains of ice are rapidly melting and falling. For example, the Weeping Wall located south of the Columbia Icefield on Highway 93, presents significant danger to those standing below it. Stay away from areas of hanging ice.

Thin and unstable lake ice:

Many lakes at upper elevations appear to be frozen; however, the ice is thin and unstable. Examples include Maligne Lake, Beaver Lake, Celestine Lake and Horseshoe Lake. Do not step out onto any lake ice.

Rivers and creek crossings:

Due to the large amounts of snow in the alpine, rapid spring melt off will result in high water developing during the day in rivers and creeks. This will be compounded with rainfall. Use caution when travelling on or adjacent to water bodies.

For more detailed and updated information, contact Parks Canada Visitor Safety staff at 780-852-6155. 

Vine Creek fireguard:

Parks Canada has had great success this spring preparing for the 724 hectare Vine Creek prescribed burn, located 20 kilometres north of Jasper. So far, 35 hectares of fireguard have been burned in preparation for the burn unit ignition if conditions come into prescription. The Terra Torch, a relatively new tool, is working well for the fireguard work and has allowed Parks Canada fire crews to burn small areas safely. If the conditions are right after the long weekend, Parks Canada will begin burning a larger area. 

Summer interpretive programs are back:

Call the Jasper Information Centre of the latest program schedule at 780-852-6176.

The  Spring Flower Count is on:

The tradition of the Spring Flower Count continues from May 25 to 31. Collected data contributes to climate change research to help describe trends over time. To get involved, attend a flower identification workshop on May 28 (2 to 4 p.m.) at the Parks Canada administration office at the Jasper train station. An interpretive flower walk will also take place on May 29 (9 a.m. to noon) at the Saturday Night Lake Trailhead off Cabin Creek Dr.