This photo which I took on March 9 shows the avalanche path but not the recent avalanche.
Emerald Lake avalanche path
This update is from the Kicking Horse Ski Club:
The slide path got dropped on Sunday! We have up to 30’ of snow & debris blocking the summer walking trail. It did reach out onto the lake ice some 30’ as well. Very impressive to actually watch this avalanche happen and now to observe the debris running down the river of snow!
Hans trackset the trails at Emerald Lake yesterday and it was wonderful to ski them again. He tried to do the Connector but could not get the machine across the bridge at the 2 km. point—due to the snow melt. That is the end of that bit of trail grooming for this year on the Connector. We hope to trailer the machine and track Kicking Horse again soon but….????
Here’s another look at the slide path, this is from the east side of the lake:
Emerald Lake avalanche slide path (file photo)
An update from Avalanche Canada, especially for backcountry skiers(thanks to Pete for this link): What was sown in November we now reap in March
Hi Elaine, I wanted to respond to your questions but thought someone else might before now. Suggest calling the little shop right on the lake where they rent snowshoes and skis. Friday call 1-250-343-6000 or Sat/Sun they are open 10-4. They have maps to hand out there or you can stop at Yoho Info Centre as they have maps and a Parks employee there on w/e’s. Check the drive.bc website to ensure the road is not being shut down for avalanche preventative maintenance before you leave home. The lake might be fine or it might be iffy-the gals who own and run the little store (Denise and Marilyn) would have the best information. The hot tub is awesome at ELL as are the meals. Suggest bringing walking grippers, which might be adequate for getting around. You will have a wonderful w/e no matter what….they might even provide babysitters for hire should an adult meal be in order? I hope this number is current as I only found it on website but no ans. machine.
Hi, our family has plan for stay at Emerald Lake Lodge next Tues to Thurs. We have never snowshoes before but would like to try just venturing like less then 50 meters or whatever we can to get a taste of it. We have small kids less then two and a 7 YO and planned to pull them in Sledge or have the older one snowshoes a bit. Is this a bad time to go considering the consider ate avalanche risk? Or it should be safe still if we keep on the lake surface and don’t venture much in any mountain terrain? Is there somewhere that I can get a map for where to avoid if so? Thanks so much in advance.