The Mount Edith Cavell day-use area re-opened Aug. 29.
According to Parks Canada, weather patterns, shorter days and a "significant decrease" in the water level of Cavell Tarn mean the area is once again safe for visitors.
Parks Canada closed the day-use area at Mount Edith Cavell Aug. 16, after the tarn overflowed, washing out the road immediately below the parking lot.
According to Pam Clark, visitor experience manager for Jasper National Park, the incident was caused by a combination of factors, including hot, dry weather, high water levels and heavy rainfall the night before.
While the official trails and viewpoints will now be open, Parks considers the tarn, and the lower valley where overflow channels run, a hazard. Since the icefall of 2012 It has been strongly discouraging people from going there, but it has now officially closed the area.
Lower-risk areas—such as trails, day-use kiosks, the parking lot and the picnic area—weren't affected by the recent washout, but Parks warns there is "always some risk inherent in natural areas."
During the Aug. 16 washout, debris and run-off flowed onto the road below the parking lot. To reduce risks in that area, Parks has installed "no parking" and "flood zone" signs, as well as signage telling visitors where to go if another flood happens.
However, risks to vehicles passing through the area are minimal.
Trevor Nichols
[email protected]
