LETHBRIDGE – It’s now been five days since an avalanche in Waterton claimed the life of City Councillor Wade Galloway.
On Wednesday, recovery efforts continued to be hampered by poor weather.
Park officials have been monitoring the area near Rowe Peak, where the avalanche occurred.
Extreme conditions have slowed recovery efforts down, but some progress was made Wednesday.
Park officials say the clouds cleared for a short time in the morning and gave a team of searchers an opportunity to fly over the area and drop dynamite – blasting potential avalanche spots above the recovery site to reduce the risk during the recovery.
Doreen McGillis with Waterton Lakes National Park says the area is still not safe for searchers.
“We have about 12 people involved in the recovery process and can call on other organizations as needed. Right now, we just have to wait for the weather to clear.”
Park officials also say there were large natural avalanches Tuesday night in the area, and the probe that was used to park the recovery location is no longer visible, but the beacon Galloway was wearing is still transmitting.
There were also widespread avalanches throughout the park Wednesday. Unfortunately, the clear skies didn’t last, and the crew had to land.
According to Environment Canada, over the last 24 hours the Waterton area has received roughly 30 centimetres of snow, which is adding obstacles to the recovery efforts.
In Lethbridge, a condolence book has been set up at City Hall for members of the public who wish to express their sympathies to the family of councillor Wade Galloway.
The book is located in front of council chambers in the main foyer of City Hall and is available for signing Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m to 4:30 pm.
The book will be available until funeral arrangements are made.
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