Two areas of Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park are closed due to damage caused by severe spring weather.

Parks Canada says the damage to many areas was greater than initially thought, with many washouts and impassible terrain.

As a result, Provincial Highway 19 (pictured below) between the East Gate and east of Lake Katherine will be closed until at least September this year, and Lake Audy campground and Lake Audy Road, located on the south end of the park, will closed for the rest of this year. Contractors will be brought in to do repairs. Trails are also being assessed.

Visitors can check on the Riding Mountain National Park webpage for the latest trail conditions and how access them during road closures. Parks Canada also says Park wardens will be enforcing the closures, and violators may be fined under the National Parks Act.

(Photos provided by Riding Mountain National Park)