Barb Brewer
Salmon Arm Observer
If you’re planning a trip to Alberta today, hold off for a bit.
An avalanche at 3:20 a.m. Mountain Standard Time has closed the Trans-Canada at Field, likely for most of Wednesday morning.
Parks Canada media rep Lindsay McPherson says no one was caught in the avalanche.
Truckers who were unable to turn around at the bottom of the steep westbound lane at Field were evacuated.
There is no estimate of the amount of snow that came down but McPerson says an aerial survey is being taken this morning.
Avalanche control and snow removal are underway at this time.
McPherson says the highway is estimated to re-opn about 11 a.m. PST but advises travellers to check with Drive BC before heading east.
In the meantime, detours are available for those who wish to leave immediately – Hwy 95 between Golden and Radium and Hwy. 93 South through Kootenay National Park.
