Auyuittuq National Park slowly re-opens to hikers

Parks Canada closed down a large section of Auyuittuq’s Akshayuk Pass earlier this month after hikers were stranded and some injured when they attempted to cross swollen rivers. A group of hikers can be seen here in on a sandbar in the middle of a river as they await help from Parks Canada staff overhead in a helicopter. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKS CANADA)

Following a re-assessment of damage caused by erosion and high waters, a section of Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittuq National Park remains closed to hikers.

Parks Canada announced Aug. 1 that it was closing parts of the park’s Akshayuk Pass to hikers.

Prior to this closure, Parks Canada had evacuated three groups of hikers, including two injured hikers.

The pass closure affected the west side of Weasel River from Crater Lake creek to the Glacier Lake shelter and the east side of Weasel River from Overlord to Glacier Lake shelter.

The stretch of the pass from Turner River to the Glacier Lake Shelter remains closed, but is being assessed today by Parks Canada safety specialists, an Aug. 8 update said.

Two Parks Canada patrols hiked into the park during the weekend to assess the condition of rivers and river crossings.

Based on their assessment, certain areas that were closed a week ago re-opened to hikers, the update said.

Park safety specialists continue to advise all hikers to exercise extreme caution when hiking the Akshayuk Pass.

There are several groups of hikers expected in Auyuittuq National Park this week.

Their orientations will include an added cautionary reference to crossings that continue to present a high risk, especially to those crossings still deemed unsafe at this time, the update said.

Auyuittuq National Park staff will remain on 24-hour stand-by and will continue to monitor risks presented by the rivers on a day-by-day basis, it said.

Hikers currently in the park have all been advised of the closure and will be provided updates as park patrols meet up with them.

And those planning to visit the park in the coming days and weeks will be provided the latest information regarding river crossing risks.

The closed areas will be reassessed today and again later this week, Parks Canada said.