Bulletins
Jasper National Park
Restricted Activity: Backcountry travel by custodial groups in Jasper National Park
Issued: October 31, 2022
Ends: May 15, 2023
Effective date:
November 15, 2022 to May 15, 2023
What:
Pursuant to subsection 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, the following activity is restricted or prohibited in Jasper National Park:
Backcountry travel by any custodial group* in avalanche terrain described by the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) as class 2 and 3. See the attached table.
* A “custodial group” means a group affiliated with an institution, where at least one person is below the age of majority and that minor is not in the company of his/her parent or legal guardian. Institutions include but are not limited to schools, Scouts/Guides, churches, clubs, cadets, and community youth programs.
Note:
- Subject to the following restrictions, authorization for a custodial group to travel in ATES class 2 avalanche terrain may be granted by the Superintendent:
- 1.1 The custodial group must be led by a mountain, alpine or ski guide certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides or International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations.
- 1.2 Maximum group size is nine (9) persons plus certified guide(s).
- 1.3 Authorization for travel by a custodial group in class 2 terrain will only apply when the certified guide has rated the slope specific "Danger Rating" in that area to be 'Low' or 'Moderate'.
- Backcountry travel by a custodial group in areas of the Park designated as ATES class 3 avalanche terrain, is prohibited.
- Travel in ATES class 1 avalanche terrain is not restricted.
Penalty:
Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act: maximum penalty $25 000.
Description | Class | Terrain criteria |
---|---|---|
Simple | 1 | Exposure to low angle or primarily forested terrain. Some forest openings may involve the run out zones of infrequent avalanches. Many options to reduce or eliminate exposure. No glacier travel. |
Challenging | 2 | Exposure to well-defined avalanche paths, starting zones or terrain traps; options exist to reduce or eliminate exposure with careful route finding. Glacier travel is straightforward but crevasse hazards may exist. |
Complex | 3 | Exposure to multiple overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of steep, open terrain; multiple avalanche starting zones and terrain traps below; minimal options to reduce exposure. Complicated glacier travel with extensive crevasse bands or icefalls. |
Further information on hiring guides, obtaining permits, and a complete listing of rated trips can be found at Parks Canada Information Centers or at: parksmountainsafety.ca
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