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Trans-Canada Highway reopens in stages after snowstorm

Highway 1 re-opens in stages after heavy snows and avalanche control closes route around Revelstoke.
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A team of plows

The Trans-Canada Highway on either side of Revelstoke is scheduled to reopen at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3 after a Thursday snowstorm led to avalanche-related closures.

The route opened westbound to Craigellachie from Revelstoke early this afternoon.

DriveBC is predicting a reopening of the Revelstoke to Golden section at 2 p.m. on Friday. The provincial road information system is also predicting the highway will be reopened between Revelstoke and Sicamous for eastbound travellers at 2 p.m. today.

Multiple avalanche paths cross the Trans-Canada both east and west of Revelstoke. Avalanche control using explosives, artillery, helicopters and heavy equipment is routine during the winter months.

Although transportation officials try to schedule avalanche control activities during quiet times, heavy precipitation like Thursday's snowstorm puts nature in the driver's seat, forcing closures due to avalanche risk, control activities and clean-up.

DriveBC is the provincial traveller information system in B.C.; it's the best place to find timely information about highway closures, including scheduled closures for avalanche control.