Avalanche risk for Waterton Lakes increases

The avalanche risk for Waterton Lakes National Park has been raised for Bertha Townsite. (Facebook/WatertonLakesNationalPark)

While avalanche conditions in the East Kootenay region remain considerable, the risk of a snowslide in Waterton Lakes National Park is also increasing.

For the first time this year, the Bertha Townsite’s avalanche status has raised to caution.

Parks Canada posted on its website Wednesday that the gate has been lowered and authorized vehicle access is prohibited for the rest of the winter.

Pedestrian entry is still permitted, but not recommended in the area of the townsite under Bertha peak due to increased avalanche risk.

The area is open, but conditions are favourable for larger avalanches to develop.