High Avalanche Danger in West

CALGARY – News – Valemount RCMP are advising the public of an avalanche which has occurred on Shale Hill near Mount Robson, approximately 25 km east of Tete Jaune. The slide was reported at 9:30am and is approximately 400 meters wide.

Highway 16 between Te Jaune and Jasper is completely blocked and there are no detours available. Ministry of Transportation continue to assess the incident and an Avalanche Technician is en route to the area at this time.

Lakes District Maintenance crews are on scene assessing the scale and scope of the slide. RCMP have confirmed that there were no vehicles caught in the avalanche and no one was injured. A pick up truck attempted to drive through the slide but became stuck in the debris and packed snow.

Ministry of Transportation has advised that the risk of additional slides is very high and they will continue to assess the area.

Please be advised that Flagger Crews are located at both ends of the slide and in Jasper, Tete Jaune, McBride, and Valemount.

Highway 1 is also currently closed indefinitely due to the risk of avalanches.

For any updates in road closures and conditions please visit the DriveBC website www.drivebc.ca. For any updates regarding Avalanches please visit the Canadian Avalanche Centre at www.avalanche.ca .