Avalanche Work Closes Rogers Pass

March 1 2026 - The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) in British Columbia was closed today, March 1, 2026, for planned avalanche control work.

A roughly 22-kilometre section, between the east boundary of Mount Revelstoke National Park and Hemlock Grove Boardwalk in Glacier National Park, was shut down from about 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST. Parks Canada and the B.C.

The closure is routine in winter for one of North America's most avalanche-prone highways

No detours available

This kind of closure is routine in winter for one of North America's most avalanche-prone highways, which has over 135 known avalanche paths in just 43 kilometres.

Its been a tough 2025-2026 winter season for avalanches in B.C. so far.

The snowpack has been weak and unstable due to buried weak layers (like surface hoar and crusts), plus recent storms adding new snow and wind-loaded slabs.

Avalanche Canada has warned of high danger levels (considerable to high, or 3-4 on the scale) across much of the province in recent weeks, with some areas even higher.

Fresh snow and winds have created a "perfect recipe" for slides.The backcountry has seen several fatalities.

In late February, at least one major incident occurred: professional snowboarder Stratton Matteson died on February 24 due to a large avalanche near Pemberton (in the Sea to Sky region, east of Joffre Peak).

This was reported as B.C.'s fourth avalanche death of the season, with others noted earlier in the winter.

Experts stress preparation: Check Avalanche Canada's forecasts at avalanche.ca before heading into the backcountry, carry gear like a beacon, probe, and shovel, and avoid high-risk terrain.

For highway travel, always monitor DriveBC, as weather can change conditions quickly.

Avalanche Work Closes Rogers Pass