Kootenay National Park of Canada

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Birdwatching, Radium Hot Springs © Parks Canada / J. Pitcher / V1315

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• Bear Update NEW!
• Mountain National Parks Road Conditions Report
• Avalanche Bulletin

The Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Mountain Conditions Report (ACMG)

Notices

Temporary 70 km/h Speed Zone on Highway 93 South NEW!

Radium, British Columbia, September 9, 2008 – Parks Canada has instituted a new 70 km/h speed zone affecting approximately 12 kilometres of highway 93 south in the Kootenay Valley. The zone runs from just south of the Kootenay Crossing Warden Station to near McLeod Meadows Campground.

The mandatory reduced speed zone is in place to help reduce the risk that vehicles pose to a wolf pack that has been frequenting the area. Motorists must reduce their speed to 70 km/h in this 12 km section that will be well marked with dynamic road signs. The reduced speed section is anticipated to be in effect until after the Thanksgiving Day Weekend and will be reassessed at that time.

So far in 2008, one wolf has been killed on highway 93S in Kootenay National Park, two wolves have been killed on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) in Banff National Park and one wolf killed on the TCH in Yoho National Park.

Parks Canada would like to remind motorists to follow all posted speed signs as the fall is a busy time of year for many animals including wolves, moose, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Obeying the posted speed limits of 70 km/h and 90 km/h may add only a few minutes of driving time but can help reduce the risk of motor vehicle collisions for both people and wildlife.

If you see a wolf stay in your vehicle and do not approach them. Keep your vehicle moving and accept that your passengers may get a quick look, but you may not. Wolves that become used to a human presence are more likely to become victims of vehicle collisions and other forms of human-caused mortality.

Please report wolf sightings to the Kootenay park warden office (250-347-9361) or to the Banff Dispatch 24 hour phone line 403-762-1473.

Mitchell Ridge Prescribed Fire
The Mitchell Ridge Prescribed Fire is planned for the east side of the Kootenay Valley in Kootenay National Park. The main ignition (up to 45 sq km) is planned for the spring or fall of 2008, weather permitting. The purpose of this burn is to restore the historic fire cycle in the Kootenay Valley and to help protect people, facilities, and adjacent lands from wildfire.

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Mitchell Ridge Prescribed Fire

Redstreak Slopes Restoration

Redstreak Restoration Project