(Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

No injuries or structure damage reported in avalanche near Waterton townsite

Jan 13, 2022 | 7:05 AM

WATERTON PARK, AB – It was a close call for the townsite in Waterton Lakes National Park.

This past weekend, Parks Canada says a class-4 avalanche roared down Bertha Peak, just outside the small resort community between the evening of January 8 and January 9.

Staff say the avalanche dumped 10 metres of debris on the Bertha Falls trail and stopped just ahead of Evergreen Avenue South in the townsite. As a result of the incident, entry to the town using that street past Cameron Falls is not recommended due to the risk of further avalanches.

Additionally, the Akamina Parkway is closed until further notice. Pedestrian access on Akamina and Red Rock parkways remains open. The parkway will reopen to vehicles when conditions improve.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged. Parks Canada says the risk of avalanches has increased significantly in the park because of large snow volumes, extreme wind gusts and rising temperatures.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Public avalanche information is available here.