The Canadian Pacific Railway and the Threat of Avalanches

Join us at the museum as curator Heather Sjoblom shares her research from her Master’s Thesis that links in with the Land of Thundering Snow travelling exhibit on avalanches. 

Did you know that the first formal avalanche observations in Canada took place following the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1885? Learn how the CPR worked to keep the line open using rotary snow ploughs, work crews, and snowsheds. Hear about the worst avalanche disaster in Canadian history. Discover how the decision to use Rogers Pass came back to trouble the CPR. Find out how the CPR worked to reduce the problem of avalanches during the first thirty years of operation. 

Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.