Glacier National Park's Winter Permit System (WPS) wraps up Thursday, May 8, as Parks Canada reminds visitors of continued avalanche risk this spring.

WPS holders received an email update from the park's operators Wednesday, May 7, noting that avalanche control work in Glacier along the Trans-Canada Highway is "winding down" for the year, but that hazardous backcountry terrain remains.

"Avalanche control can still be required, well into May or some seasons even June," Parks Canada said. "This may include the use of explosives from a helicopter. If avalanche control is required after the Winter Permit System is done, it will be managed through specific area closures."

The federal agency reported that this last year's snowpack was low for Glacier. Up on Mount Fidelity, the 1,082 centimetres of snow accumulated by March 31 was "well below average" at 85 per cent of mean annual snowfall. The winter season, from October to March, saw snow hit the park three out of four days.

Despite lower snow levels, Parks Canada recounted a "busy winter" that logged 62 visitor safety incident reports between last Nov. 1 and April 28. This included 21 parties requiring rescue, of which six needed helicopter assistance. A total 30 reports were avalanche related, such as a dozen incidents where people were caught in a slide.

Meanwhile, avalanche control conducted a dozen missions, fired 537 howitzer rounds, detonated 45 remote explosives, and dropped 71 helicopter explosives.

The email update notes that a final newsletter in May will reveal changes to the WPS for 2025-26.

Shelley Bird, Glacier's external relations and visitor experience manager, that a fee for the WPS would be coming within the next two years.

"Thank you for your ongoing support and compliance with the Winter Permit System," Parks Canada concluded. "Without it, backcountry skiing in this incredible place would not be possible."

Comments or suggestions on Glacier's WPS may be emailed to .