Technician deploys explosives to trigger avalanche during yesterday’s efforts  photo courtesy BC Gov Photos

Prince George, B.C. – Extreme avalanche conditions in the Coquihalla Pass prompted a control mission by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure that closed the route for four hours yesterday.

Ministry officials say closures of the Coquihalla for avalanche control are rare, but today’s mission became necessary given the amount of snow in the pass and recent weather conditions.

The snowpack at the area’s high-level weather station is measuring almost 150-percent of normal.  Additionally, the coldsnap, followed by this week’s warming trend, elevated the avalanche hazard.  And wind further exacerbated the situation by blowing snow onto avalanche paths.

The photo at right shows a bird’s eye view of one of the controlled avalanches that occurred yesterday. courtesy BC Gov Photos

"BC highways traverse some of the most challenging terrain in Canada, including mountain passes like the Coquihalla, where our teams prepare for avalanches, whiteouts and severe winter weather," says Minister Responsible, Blair Lekstrom.  "Moving people safely on our highways is our number one priority, ad we do a good job of keeping our highways open, despite the curveballs Mother Nature throws at us."

BC Trucking Association President, Louise Yako, says, "Our operators encounter some minor closures at this time of year for avalanche control, but we know that it is a necessity for the safety of motorists during the control work and that their work ensures our transportation network remains safe and efficient."