Three killed in Highway 16 collision
An Alberta man and two children aged three and six were killed in a car accident near Moose Lake, on Highway 16, Jan. 8.
The family was driving in a minivan, along with a adult female and a three-year-old, both of whom were seriously injured and sent to Edmonton for treatment.
According to the Valemount RCMP, the van was attempting to pass a tractor trailer when it lost control and swerved into oncoming traffic. The van was then t-boned by a westbound semi tractor trailer unit.
The driver of the semi was not injured in the collision.
As a result of the collision, which took place around 3:45 p.m., the highway was closed for most of that night, as an investigation took place.
The names of those involved in the collision are not being released.
Heavy snow wreaks havoc on roads
A 40-metre-wide avalanche on Shale Hill, near Mount Robson, shut down Highway 16 West, Jan. 13. The slide, which brought down a bunch of debris and trees, was about two-feet deep, according to Darren Woroshelo of the Valemount RCMP.
There were no cars or people caught in the slide, which was reported around 9:30 a.m.
The avalanche occurred the day after Highway 93A reopened, following a closure that lasted from Jan. 11 to 4 p.m. the following day because of an avalanche hazard.
Warning for Maligne Canyon
Parks Canada has issued a warning for Maligne Canyon, as an ice shelf within the canyon has collapsed near fourth bridge.
The collapse has made it possible to walk beneath the ice for about 50 metres, but Parks warns that doing such a thing would be very hazardous, as the ice could collapse under its own weight.
There are warning signs in the canyon, recommending where to turn around.
To stay safe while exploring the canyon, Parks recommends that users respect the warning signs and travel with caution. It is also suggested that users enter the canyon with a guided tour company or a certified alpine or mountain guide.
Be sure to also wear ice cleats, as the trail, as well as the ice within the canyon, is very slick.
According to Parks, the conditions within the canyon are not typical for this time of year, and currently the conditions are posing more natural hazards than normal.
Travel in the upper canyon is not recommended at this time.
