Avalanche closes Highway 99 north of Pemberton

This photo shows avalanche control work on Highway 99 on March 26, 2025.

Update: The highway reopened to single-lane alternating traffic on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

A stretch of Highway 99 north of Pemberton will be closed in both directions until at least Thursday morning due to an avalanche, according to officials.

The contractor responsible for the highway posted to social media announcing the closure around 1 p.m. Wednesday, saying avalanche control work was underway and cleanup was in progress.

There are no detours available, according to DriveBC, which said there is a “high avalanche hazard” in the area.

B.C.’s Transportation Ministry said a “partial avalanche” occurred over the highway Wednesday and that contractors “performed a heli-bombing operation to trigger the release of the remaining material.”

The forecast calls for conditions that could lead to more avalanche activity, the ministry said, adding that the situation will be reassessed in the morning.

“Drivers are asked to avoid the area and reminded to obey signage. People who choose to travel should prepare for delays and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with extra supplies, including food, water and blankets,” a statement from the ministry said.

The avalanche danger in the area was rated as high Wednesday, according to Avalanche Canada.

“Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers,” the agency said Wednesday. “A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack. Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.”