Photo: Â This photo was taken after an avalanche in the Pine Pass in Feb of 2008. Â The truck driver didn’t suffer any injuries – Ministry of Transportation
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The Pine Pass is expected to be open by late Monday, after an avalanche blocked part of Highway 97 between Mackenzie and Chetwynd.
Ministry of Transportation officials say crews are currently in the area beginning the cleanup and hope to have the pass open either by Monday in the late afternoon or by the end of the day at the latest.
Officials say the avalanche that occurred Sunday afternoon was fairly unusual since it happened while temperatures were hovering around -25 Celsius. They say avalanches normally occur with a large snowpack when temperatures begin to warm up and are usually around 0 C, making this particular avalanche unexpected.
Currently, officials say the Peace River area is experiencing some of the worst weather in the province.
Due to the extreme snowfall in both the South and North Peace regions, and resulting blowing snow, there are several travel advisories in effect. The advisories include Hwy 2, 29, 49, 52, 52 East, and sections of Highway 97. Officials are urging the public to check DriveBC.ca before travelling.
If you have a photo from this avalanche, email contact@energeticcity-beta.mystagingwebsite.com
