Calgary

Avalanche risk near Lake Louise prompts highway closures

Alberta RCMP issued a warning Wednesday afternoon for avalanche risk in the Lake Louise area, with parts of Highway 93 closed to traffic and expected to continue to be closed into Thursday.

RCMP warn that more highways could be closed due to weather conditions

Alberta's Lake Louise seen in a 2008 file photo. RCMP say there will be highway closures in the area due to avalanche risk. (Jonathan Hayward/Canadian Press)

Alberta RCMP issued a warning Wednesday afternoon for avalanche risk in the Lake Louise area, with parts of Highway 93 closed to traffic. 

The closures of the highway both north and south of Highway 1 are expected to continue into Thursday, according to a news release from RCMP.

Parts of Highway 1 in British Columbia near the Alberta border are also scheduled to be closed or have delays due to construction and avalanche control work.

RCMP advised travellers from Alberta to B.C. to check Alberta 511 and Drive BC for up-to-date highway conditions, and plan their trip according to scheduled highway closures.

RCMP also warned that roads to B.C. are significantly affected by snow, and more highways could be closed.

Traffic was also backed up on Thursday morning eastbound on Highway 1 near the Sunshine Junction due to a jackknifed semi. (Ellis Choe/CBC)