The B.C. ministry of transportation and infrastructure has apologized after unscheduled avalanche blasts frightened a number of Chase residents Friday.
Many residents in the Chase area could be seen running into the streets about 4 p.m. on Feb. 1 after a loud bang shook many houses.
Some say they were expecting to see an accident, others thought someone was wandering the neighborhood shooting off a gun.
The RCMP recorded a large number of calls about the loud noise.
After a series of bangs, many began to realize that the sound was actually that of avalanche control blasts.
The helicopter could be seen hovering around the mountain top before backing off to execute another blast.
The highway was temporarily shut down until about 5 p.m., with traffic winding slowly down the road.
There was worry among some in the community about friends and family members who have post traumatic stress disorder, and the effect the unexpected bangs would have on them.
“I am getting up there in age, things like this do not help my heart any,” said Chase resident Crystal Thompson. “It would have been nice to get some kind of notice instead of them just surprising the entire village.”
A number of family pets were reported to have run away due to the blasts but were located soon after.
“The ministry regrets causing any concern among local residents,” says Kate Trotter, public affairs officer for the ministry.
She explained that an unstable snow pack was threatening the highway and posing a risk of avalanches.
“The situation demanded an immediate response,” said Trotter.
The technician used explosive charges to stabilize the slope and reduce the immediate hazard so traffic could travel safely.
“Control missions such as this are infrequent,” said Trotter, “but necessary in an area such as this when circumstances dictate.
“Whenever possible we provide advance notice to nearby residents.”
Trotter also notes that, whenever possible, avalanche control information is posted on Drive BC. Residents can subscribe to Drive BC and receive information on their email or Smartphone. Go to http://www.drivebc.ca.
