Avalanche danger closes Slocan Valley highway
By Nelson Daily Staff
Extreme avalanche conditions, blowing snow and freezing rain are hampering highway travel and have closed Highway 31A near New Denver until further notice.
In addition to the avalanche activity, some areas of the province are experiencing prolonged snowfall, freezing rain and blowing snow to the extent that a number of travel advisories have been established.
Travel advisories are used to warn motorists of road or weather conditions that will present a significant travel challenge. Travel during advisories is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Motorists travelling to or from Alberta can use Highway 3, near Cranbrook.
Anyone planning a highway trip is advised to “know before you go” by checking the DriveBC website at www.drivebc.ca for the latest road reports.
Kicking Horse Canyon
In the Kootenay region, the Kicking Horse Canyon is experiencing a once-in-30-years avalanche cycle, with over a metre of heavy snow falling on top of a weaker layer of snow.
This, combined with unseasonably warm temperatures and strong alpine winds, is making the snow pack throughout the Kootenays extremely unstable.
As a result, more than 30 large avalanches have occurred along Highway 1 in the Kicking Horse Canyon, east of Golden.
Highway 1 is expected to remain closed until Wednesday in order for avalanche technicians to release the snow pack and clear the roads.
Kootenay National Park
This same storm cycle is having a similar affect on Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park. This route is also closed and is expected to remain closed overnight.
Current avalanche activities and closures in effect
• Hwy 1 within Glacier National Park. Expect delays between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.
• Hwy 1 east of Golden closed until Wednesday.
• Hwy 31A near New Denver closed until further notice.
• Hwy 93 between Radium Hot Springs and Castle Junction closed until Monday afternoon.
• Hwy 97 between Prince George and Chetwynd closed until Monday.
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