The Frank Slide

The Frank slide occured on April 29, 1903, at 4:10 a.m. 82 million tonnes (30 million cubic metres) of limestone crashed from the summit of Turtle Mountain and buried a portion of the sleeping town of Frank. 

The bustling town of Frank was home to approximately 600 people in 1903. Of these, roughly 100 individuals lived in the path of the slide. An estimated 70 people were killed.

The primary cause of the Frank Slide was the mountain's unstable structure. Underground coal mining, water action in summit cracks and severe weather conditions may have contributed to the disaster.

At the foot of the slide is Hwy 3.  On both sides of Turtle Mountain are two towns.  Hillcrest to the left, and Blairmore to the right.  The lost creek fire in 2003 burned most of the backside of Turtle mountain and actually wrapped around the mountain to the crest of the slide on both sides.  This may give you an idea of how close the Lost creek fire came to these two towns that are immediately beneath both sides of this mountain.

For More information visit http://www.frankslide.com/

This site was created, designed, and is maintained by Randall.  If you have questions, comments, or would like to advertise on this site please email me at info@skicastle.com