National Park After Dark

The Mountain That Moves: The Frank Slide Disaster

2026-05-04

In April of 1903, Turtle Mountain fell. Long known by indigenous nations to be dangerous, the town of Frank built at its base and mined into its sides nonetheless. In the early morning hours of April 29th, 100 million tons of rock broke free and hurdled down the mountain, killing 70 people and burying much of the town in nearly 100 feet of debris. It was over in less than 90 seconds, but has remained Canada’s deadliest rockslide. For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NP...