Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon is closed following a mudslide that took place around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Aug. 10).

The slides occurred along the 36.5 kilometre stretch between Lytton and Spences Bridge.

Heavy rain and flash floods in the area on the evening of Aug. 10 caused mud, rocks, and debris to wash onto the highway in several locations.

The region was severely impacted by wildfire last year, particularly the Lytton Creek wildfire. It began in Lytton on June 30 and burned along Highway 1 as far north as Spences Bridge until late August.

Areas that have been affected by wildfire are especially prone to erosion and run-off, due in part to lack of vegetation and the soil’s inability to absorb moisture.

A slope assessment is taking place this morning and Drive BC’s next update is expected at 9:30 a.m.

There are limited alternative routes through or around the area, due to the continued closure of Highway 8 from Spences Bridge to Merritt following flooding in November 2021. Travellers should take the Coquihalla (Highway 5); Highways 12 (Lytton to Lillooet) and 99 (Lillooet to north of Cache Creek) are also open.

REMINDER – #BCHwy1 remains closed in both directions between #BCHwy12 and #BCHwy8 due to mud slides. An assessment is in progress. #SpencesBridgeBC

ℹ️https://t.co/fXzWVjbsdl pic.twitter.com/tcrsdMSZqt

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) August 11, 2022

The area is expecting a mix of sun and cloud today with a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm. Local smoke from the Nohomin Creek wildfire is also in the area with winds reaching 30-50 kilometres per hour.

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@cunninghamjordy
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