The highways are basically a disaster as crews work to mitigate the avalanche hazard, clear the lanes and blowing snow is causing closures.
The Coquihalla Summit facing northbound (Photo Credit: DriveBC)
As of 5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning there are 15 full highway closures and two partial closures all over the province. The Coquihalla Highway is closed northbound at the Junction with Highway 3 near Hope because multiple trees have come tumbling down, blocking the road. The estimated time of opening is between 8:00 a.m. and noon, and there are two alternate routes available.
Closer to Chilliwack, Highway 1 is closed eastbound between Highway 9 and Flood-Hope Road because of fallen rock. Weather is causing a problem with site assessment and crews hope to have that highway reopened between 9:00 a.m. and noon, there are two detours available.
In the other direction, Highway 1 is closed in both directions from Craigellachie to Revelstoke because of the high avalanche hazard. Avalanche control is set to take place here between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., and two to three hour delays are expected. Another section of Highway 1 is closed, this from the West Boundary of Glacier National Park to the East Boundary of the Park. Avalanche control is taking place along this stretch between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and motorists should prepare for up to three hour delays.
Snow on Highway 3 Monday morning (Photo Credit: West Kootenay District TransBC)
Other closures you should be aware of include, Highway 3 about 30 kilometres west of Creston along the Kootenay Pass, because of a high avalanche hazard. That section could be open as soon as 9:00 a.m., while it will take longer to reopen Highway 3 closer to Creston. Avalanche control is taking place here from 7:00 until 10:00 a.m. and delays will be at least 30 minutes. There are several alternate routes available for Highway 3, but expect travel time east to take more than 2.5 hours.
Avalanche control in the Rocky Mountain District (Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain District TransBC)
If you are heading north there are plenty of other highway closures such as along Highway 16, Highway 118, Highway 20, Highway 31 and 35, as well as Highway 37. Be sure to check DriveBC for the latest updates and information.
