Key Takeaways
- The Trans-Canada Highway will be closed between Revelstoke and Golden for 8 hours on Thursday, December 18, 2025, for avalanche control work.
- The closure will take place from 5 p.m. PST to at least 1 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025.
- This is the fourth time in the last eight days that the highway has been closed for avalanche control.
- Motorists are advised to check the latest road advisories at drivebc.ca and obey highway avalanche control closures.
Introduction to the Closure
The Trans-Canada Highway, a vital transportation route that connects the country from coast to coast, will be closed between Revelstoke and Golden for the fourth time in the last eight days. The closure, which is scheduled to take place from 5 p.m. PST on Thursday, December 18, 2025, to at least 1 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, is necessary to allow Parks Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces to carry out avalanche control work. This work is crucial to ensuring the safety and operationality of the route, particularly during the winter months when snowfall is heavy and avalanches are a significant risk.
Avalanche Control Work
The avalanche control work that will be carried out during the closure is a critical measure to prevent avalanches from occurring on the highway. The work involves using specialized equipment and techniques to trigger controlled avalanches, which helps to reduce the risk of natural avalanches occurring on the highway. This work is typically carried out by trained professionals from Parks Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, who use their expertise and equipment to ensure that the highway is safe for motorists to use. The closure of the highway during this work is necessary to prevent motorists from entering the area and to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
Snowfall and Avalanche Risk
The recent snowfall in the area has increased the risk of avalanches, making it necessary for the authorities to take proactive measures to control the situation. According to Avalanche Canada, Rogers Pass has accumulated 115 centimeters of snow at 1,315 meters, with an increase of about 20 centimeters from earlier in the week. This significant snowfall has increased the risk of avalanches, and the authorities are taking steps to mitigate this risk. The avalanche control work that will be carried out during the closure is a critical measure to reduce this risk and ensure the safety of motorists.
Implications for Motorists
The closure of the Trans-Canada Highway will have significant implications for motorists who plan to travel through the area. Commercial traffic moving eastbound through the Columbia Mountains will be held in Malakwa as of 4 p.m. Thursday, while passenger vehicles will be permitted passage through to Revelstoke. Motorists are advised to check the latest road advisories at drivebc.ca and to plan their trips accordingly. It is also essential for motorists to obey highway avalanche control closures, as ignoring these closures can result in serious consequences, including fines and prohibitions from entering national parks.
Importance of Obeying Closures
The importance of obeying highway avalanche control closures cannot be overstated. Recently, a driver was fined $4,500 and banned from entering national parks for two years for driving through a Rogers Pass closure last winter. This incident highlights the seriousness with which the authorities view ignoring avalanche control closures. Motorists who ignore these closures not only put themselves at risk but also put others at risk, including the personnel who are working to control the avalanches. It is essential for motorists to prioritize their safety and the safety of others by obeying these closures and following the instructions of the authorities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway between Revelstoke and Golden is a necessary measure to ensure the safety and operationality of the route. The avalanche control work that will be carried out during the closure is critical to reducing the risk of avalanches and preventing accidents. Motorists are advised to check the latest road advisories and to obey highway avalanche control closures to minimize the risk of accidents and to ensure their safety. By working together, we can ensure that the Trans-Canada Highway remains a safe and reliable transportation route for all users.