Coppermine Creek is named for that claim. “The Kootenay Pass Snow Avalanche Program has evolved greatly over the past 50 years," said Cliff Razzo, Creston area manager with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. He had reached the Kootenay River Valley by way of North Kootenay Pass. — Cliff Razzo photo, 4 of 5So this is what goes on when the Kootenay Pass closes for avalanche control. Thomas Blakiston returned to the prairies via this pass in the fall of 1858. Access to the Townsite became easier as bridges were built over Blakiston Creek and the Waterton River. Blakiston instead entered North Kootenay Pass, crossing the Continental Divide into what is now British Columbia and Montana (Tobacco Plains). "Technicians are able to remotely detonate avalanches day or night. PURPOSE OF THE KOOTENAY COLUMBIA EDUCATIONAL HERITAGE SOCIETY. Regular mail, telephone service and a summer RCMP detachment from Fort Macleod were established in the park. Long before, the Kootenai had discovered the presence and medicinal value of oil seepages along Cameron Creek. Still, the elevation and terrain create an ongoing challenge over the winter months. Had he discovered it, this may have changed the history of the west and national parks! Another notable person to visit the Waterton Lakes area was John George “Kootenai” Brown. The Kootenay Columbia Educational Heritage Society was incorporated in 2005. It appears on Palliser's map (1863) as "Boundary Pass" and has since been shown on all published maps of the vicinity as South Kootenay Pass. On Sept. 6, 1858, he wrote: After two hours travelling on level ground along Red-stone creek (Red Rock) we emerged on the Saskatchewan plains, just six geographical miles north of the 49th parallel and camped at the lakes ...The scenery here is grand and picturesque...game is abundant, including, grizzly bears...and we obtained both fresh meat and fish. SOUTH KOOTENAY PASS. Thomas Blakiston returned to the prairies via this pass in the fall of 1858. Black, MLA for Nelson and Creston, allowing 2,700 cars that had lined up to take advantage of the new transportation link between the East and West Kootenay. Take a scenic drive or stay and explore the park’s treasures. Kootenay Pass is only closed for an average of 100 hours over a winter season with most of those closures being limited to two to four hours. In 1908, in the Blakiston Valley of Waterton Lakes National Park, traces of copper were found and a small claim was worked for a short time. — Cliff Razzo photo, 2 of 5Cliff Razzo is ready for work at the summit of the Kootenay Pass. In 1869, after marrying Olivia Lyonnais (a Métis girl), Brown (former army ensign, deckhand and gold prospector) embarked on a series of careers, including riding pony express, scouting for General Custer and hunting buffalo and wolf. David Thompson, who was exploring a route to the Pacific, was the first European to travel through the area. In 1917, a campground was cleared near Cameron Falls. “I really enjoy the variety of issues that I encounter on a daily basis,” said Razzo. He named the lakes Waterton Lakes to honour the British naturalist Charles Waterton. On October 13, 1963, a ribbon was cut at the top of the Kootenay Pass summit by W.B. She now brings her understanding of the area to Kootenay Business magazine. Palliser. 1 of 5A team of professionals work hard every year to make sure the Kootenay Pass stays open. Blakiston does not appear to have been aware of the existance of Akamina Pass and, believing that the pass in question was next to the Internatinal Boundary, also, perhaps, because its western approach crossed that boundary, gave it the name of Boundary Pass in his report to Capt. In 1858, the first unquestionable visit to Waterton Lakes by a European was made by Lt. Thomas Blakiston. Carrying emergency supplies such as water and warm clothes is also advisable. Reaching the area of the Crowsnest Pass, he asked his native guide what lay down the valley. Waterton Townsite Although he did not actually pass through what is now the park, he wintered at Kootenai House close by. “It makes for an engaging and challenging work environment.”, Kristen studied at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook and has worked in a variety of industries, from agriculture to construction, retail to restaurants. The ministry’s avalanche technicians are highly dedicated, skilled and experienced professionals in the snow avalanche community.". After being acquitted of murder charges in Montana, Brown returned to Waterton in 1878 with his family and settled in the area. Geologists explain that the first oil strikes in Waterton were a fluke. Born in Ireland in 1839, Brown served with the British Army in India before coming to North America.