A violent rockslide tore through a popular hiking trail in Banff National Park Sunday afternoon, leaving one person dead and three others injured in what witnesses described as a scene of chaos and devastation.
The slide occurred around 1:30 p.m. on the Lake Agnes Trail near Lake Louise, one of the park’s most frequented hiking destinations that typically sees thousands of visitors during peak summer season. According to Parks Canada officials, several hikers were caught directly in the path of falling debris when a section of mountainside suddenly gave way without warning.
“It sounded like thunder, but it didn’t stop,” said Michelle Karras, who was hiking approximately 500 meters from the slide zone. “The whole mountainside seemed to come alive. People were screaming and running in every direction.”
Emergency response teams from Parks Canada and local authorities launched an immediate rescue operation, navigating treacherous terrain to reach victims. A 30-year-old woman from Calgary was pronounced dead at the scene, while three other hikers sustained injuries ranging from fractures to severe lacerations. The injured were airlifted to hospitals in Calgary and Banff, where one remains in critical condition.
“This is a stark reminder of the inherent risks that exist in mountain environments,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Parks Canada superintendent for the Banff field unit. “Even on well-maintained trails, natural hazards can occur without notice.”
Geologists from Parks Canada have initiated a preliminary investigation, suggesting recent heavy rainfall followed by intense heat may have contributed to the destabilization of the rock face. The area received approximately 45mm of precipitation in the previous week, followed by temperatures exceeding 30°C.
“These conditions create the perfect storm for rockslide activity,” explained Dr. Marian Ross, geologist at the University of Calgary. “Water infiltrates rock crevices, then expands and contracts with temperature changes, gradually weakening the structural integrity of the mountain face.”
The Lake Agnes Trail has been closed indefinitely while officials conduct safety assessments. Parks Canada has also temporarily restricted access to several adjacent trails as a precautionary measure, affecting tourist operations during what would typically be the busiest week of the summer season.
This incident marks the third deadly rockslide in the Canadian Rockies this year, following earlier events in Jasper and Yoho National Parks that claimed a total of three lives. According to Parks Canada data, rockslide incidents have increased approximately 28% over the past decade, a trend some experts attribute to changing climate patterns.
For visitors still planning trips to Banff National Park, officials recommend checking trail conditions daily, carrying emergency communications equipment, and heeding all posted warnings. Local tour operators are adjusting itineraries to accommodate the closures while maintaining visitor experiences.
“The mountains demand respect,” said Wilkinson. “As stewards of this remarkable landscape, we balance providing access with ensuring visitor safety, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions about trail access.”
As recovery operations continue, the name of the deceased hiker has not been released pending notification of family members. The incident serves as a sobering reminder that even in the most beloved and well-traveled wilderness areas, the raw power of nature remains an unpredictable force.
