The Trans-Canada Highway will close for two hours this Saturday between Revelstoke and Glacier National Park’s west boundary. DriveBC announced the closure for avalanche control work from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM PST on January 10. Notably, no detour will be available during this period. Travelers should plan accordingly to avoid delays.
Closure Details and Travel Impact
The closure affects Highway 1 specifically between Revelstoke and the western boundary of Glacier National Park. However, westbound traffic from Golden will still have access through the entire Rogers Pass corridor. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) conducts this controlled avalanche work, often using explosives deployed from helicopters, to ensure highway safety.
Advice for Backcountry Users
The closure also impacts backcountry access. MOTT assistant avalanche forecaster Chad Hemphill advised skiers on Facebook that the Corbin Pass area via the Illecillewaet brake check will be inaccessible. He urged recreationists to “choose another objective for the day” and thanked the public for their cooperation.
Additional Weekend Notice from Parks Canada
In a separate notice, Parks Canada emailed backcountry users about a network outage affecting the annual winter permit quiz for skiing in Rogers Pass. The quiz will be unavailable Saturday and Sunday (January 10-11). However, skiers without an annual permit can still complete the daily winter permit quiz online and pick up daily permits at the Roger Pass Summit Station.
Planning Your Winter Travel
This scheduled closure is a critical safety measure in a region prone to avalanches. Travelers should check DriveBC for real-time updates and allow extra time for their journeys. Backcountry enthusiasts must heed official advisories and obtain proper permits. For ongoing travel information, consult the DriveBC website.
A Necessary Safety Intervention
The two-hour highway closure underscores the ongoing risk and proactive management of avalanche hazards in BC’s mountain passes. While it causes temporary inconvenience, the procedure is essential for maintaining the long-term safety of this vital transportation corridor. Motorists and recreationists alike should respect the closure and adapt their plans to ensure a safe winter weekend in the region.
