Some Alberta hiking trails hit with 'atypical' hazards to watch out for
If you are gearing up for summer hiking in Alberta, the effects of a late-season snowstorm have caused some things you should be on the lookout for while enjoying the trails.
Alberta Parks has issued an advisory for Kananaskis Country for areas above 2,000 metres in the Spray, Kananaskis, and Highwood Valleys, thanks to the significant snowstorm that hit earlier this month.
The advisory stated that the wintry weather created “atypical hazards on the trails for this time of year, including varying levels of snow and many downed trees which may be difficult to navigate through.”
The melting snow has also created very slippery conditions, and travel along some areas is slow and unpleasant.
Crews will be working over the coming weeks to clear downed trees on designated trails.
If you do have plans on visiting and hiking some trails in the areas impacted, Alberta Parks noted the following;
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- Snow can make even easy to moderate trails difficult. Know your limits and hike within them. Safety is your responsibility.
- Expect challenging conditions and more snow on trails than usual. Proper footwear and equipment are essential.
- Snow covered trails present a slip hazard and risk of injury.
- Sturdy footwear and poles are recommended.
- Snow covered trails may be difficult to follow. Skills in route-finding and navigation may be required.
- Risk of rapid snow melt, landslides, and falling rock/snow/ice increases during heat or rain events.
- Water crossings may be challenging or unsafe as snow melts.
- Carry an emergency communications device. Cellular service is not available in all areas.
- Leave the details of your plan with a responsible person.
With such a hefty dump of summer snow already behind us, let’s hope that the July forecast for Alberta has some good news for us.
You can view the full list of Alberta Parks advisories online.