# Rogers Pass avalanche control and permit management

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rogers-pass-avalanche-control-and-permit-management
> Updated: 2026-11-04T22:55:22.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 2.

Parks Canada has implemented the winter permit system for the 2026-27 ski touring season at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. This period coincides with the final term of the avalanche control agreement between Parks Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Since 1961, the military has conducted Operation PALACI to mitigate avalanche risks to the Trans-Canada Highway and railway. The Department of National Defence has stated it will not renew the current memorandum of understanding after August 17, 2027, due to resource pressures and the divestment of older artillery.

In a related development, two American skiers were fined by a provincial court judge for entering a restricted backcountry area of Rogers Pass in April. Although the individuals held valid winter permits and avalanche training, they entered the West Rogers Winter Restricted Area without consulting updated Parks Canada maps regarding closures. Prosecutors noted the unauthorized entry posed significant risks due to potential military-led avalanche control operations.

## Claims

- Jacob A. Gordon and Jack William Elder were charged with prohibited or restricted activity under Section 7.4 of Parks Canada regulations. (reported by 12 sources)
- The skiers entered the West Rogers Winter Restricted Area on April 14. (reported by 12 sources)
- Parks Canada had closed the area earlier that day due to avalanche conditions. (reported by 12 sources)
- The skiers used a vehicle with Montana license plates. (reported by 12 sources)
- The skiers had valid 2025-26 winter permits. (reported by 12 sources)
- The skiers failed to consult the Parks Canada online map. (reported by 12 sources)
- The skiers returned to the parking lot within two hours of departing. (reported by 12 sources)
- The unauthorized entry put the skiers at risk of howitzer-based avalanche control fire. (reported by 12 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Rogers Pass: Two U.S. skiers fined for entering closed backcountry area

Two U.S. skiers were fined in a Canadian court for entering a closed backcountry area of Rogers Pass due to avalanche risks and potential military avalanche control operations.

41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-us-skiers-fined-for-entering-closed-rogers-pass-backcountry

### 2026-10-28: Parks Canada issues Rogers Pass winter permits amid expiring avalanche agreement

Parks Canada has launched winter permits for Rogers Pass, marking the final season of the current avalanche control agreement with the Canadian Armed Forces.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/parks-canada-issues-rogers-pass-winter-permits-amid-expiring-military-agreement

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Cite as: Rogers Pass avalanche control and permit management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rogers-pass-avalanche-control-and-permit-management