Avalanche risk shuts part of Icefields Parkway as icy roads persist further south

An extreme risk of avalanches has prompted officials to close a section of Highway 93 to traffic, while icy roads and high winds continue to be a danger on routes further south, Alberta Transportation says.

Icefields Parkway closed from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan River Crossing

CBC News Posted: Feb 10, 2017 9:46 AM EST | Last Updated: February 11, 2017

Alberta Transportation says extreme avalanche hazards made it necessary to close a section of Highway 93 on Friday. It's not known when it will be reopened. (Alberta Transportation)

The highway, also known as the Icefields Parkway, was shut down Friday morning between Athabasca Falls, near Jasper, to Saskatchewan River Crossing, at the junction with Highway 11.

"Avalanche control work is taking place. Expected time of re-opening is not available at this time," tweeted511 Alberta, the province's road reports service.

MT @JasperNP:UPDATE: #Hwy93 North from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan River crossing is CLOSED due to #avalanche hazard. #ABRoads #JasperNP
—@511Alberta

Travellers warned of ice, high winds on Highway 3

Winter weather conditions also prompted a route closurein southwestern Alberta that has since been lifted.

Highway 3 from Coleman in the Crowsnest Pass, Alta., to the British Columbia border was reopened Friday morning after extremely icy conditions and severe wind gusts prompted officials to close it Thursday night.

Wind speeds of 102km/h have been detected on Hwy22 at the Lundbreck station. (6:24pm) #ABRoads
—@511Alberta

"Winter driving conditions remain on area highways including Highway 3 and 22. Use caution when travelling through the area," said 511 Alberta, the province's road reports service.

Highway 3 was reopened late Friday morning after officials closed the route between Coleman, Alta., to the British Columbia border because of extremely icy conditions and severe wind gusts. (511 Alberta)

Alberta Transportation says Highway 22 the Cowboy Trail is covered in ice between the junctions with Highway 520 and Highway 533.

Sanding trucks and snow plows have beenworking throughout thearea,RCMPsaid.

Officials are urgingpeople driving from Alberta to B.C. to be careful and plan ahead.

"Travellers are advised to check the weather in Alberta and B.C. prior to departure," the province said in a press release.

"Look at up-to-date road conditions on 511Alberta and Drive BC, make sure they have warm clothes and supplies in their vehicles and be prepared to find accommodations should weather conditions deteriorate," it added.

Environment Canada lifted wind warnings for the Foothills region on Friday night.