Trans-Canada Highway to close again Saturday for avalanche control

The Trans-Canada Highway is scheduled to close east and west of Revelstoke on Saturday for the second day in a row for avalanche control, as highway crews try to deal with the ongoing ‘atmospheric river’ that is leaving huge snowfall in its wake.

Wanna see the origins of the atmospheric river? Check out @NWSSeattle ‘s satellite gif. https://t.co/68gnhCz6iU

— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) December 20, 2019

For more on the situation, see our story on the weather system here:

Trans-Canada Highway to close east of Revelstoke Friday as huge snowstorm looms

Even by Revelstoke standards, this snowstorm has been exceptional. Revelstoke Mountain Resort got 34 centimetres in the past 24 hours and 47 centimetres in the past 48 hours.

Heavy snowfall occurring, expected to continue through the day for many routes. Travellers are encouraged to consider alternate plans if travelling via highways 1, 3, 5, 5A and are asked to plan ahead and check @DriveBC for details: https://t.co/mDBkdYjJwk #ShiftIntoWinter pic.twitter.com/5ZOBTo6qG3

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) December 20, 2019

Highway travel alerts are in effect for Rogers Pass and Eagle Pass.

 

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When an ‘atmospheric river’ approaches Revelstoke from the southwest, it’s called a ‘resort day.’ 25 cm of new snow at @revelstoke and it’s still hammering here with a big dump forecast for overnight tonight. Highways closures today, so check before you drive. Wish you were here!

A post shared by Revelstoke Mountaineer (@revelstoke_mountaineer) on Dec 20, 2019 at 11:03am PST

East of Revelstoke, crews will shut the highway from 4 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 21.

West of Revelstoke, the highway is scheduled to close from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Dec. 21. As of Friday evening, a travel advisory for the Trans-Canada Highway west of Revelstoke.

Check drivebc.ca before you go. Please slow down when driving during poor highway conditions: these conditions create a likelihood of a highway tragedy in the Revy area this weekend.

Is your vehicle up to winter regulation? For info on winter travel safety and B.C. requirements, see shiftintowinter.ca, the official  B.C. government website developed as a guide for safe winter driving.