Visitors witness avalanche near Chateau Lake Louise as danger warnings persist

University students from Victoria captured an exceptional display of Mother Nature on video Tuesday afternoon as they witnessed an avalanche near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Olivia Armstrong, who is originally from Calgary, was staying at the luxury hotel in Alberta's Rockies with friends when they decided to take a walk around the lake.

"We were sitting pretty close to where it happened, and we just happened to get up and walk away at the perfect moment," she said. "The avalanche probably happened about 100 metres away from us."

Armstrong says at first they didn't know what to do, but started running once they could feel the spray of snow coming down the mountain.

"It was pretty insane," she said, adding they then headed inside the hotel to warn officials.

Parks Canada says it is not aware of the incident, but added there are many warning signs in theLakeshore Trail area.

"It being spring, it is not improbable that a natural avalanche would run out at this time of year," said spokesperson Tania Peters.

She says anyone that witnesses an avalanche can callBanff Dispatch at403-762-1470, and that people should follow all warning signs.

"We do not recommend anyone go past those signs unless they have the proper equipment and training to be in avalanche terrain," said Peters.These signs are up throughout avalanche season.

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