The Sea to Sky Highway linking Vancouver and Whistler, B.C., has been closed in both directions after a mudslide near Lions Bay brought down trees and debris to block the road. The RCMP in Squamish, B.C., stated the road is not expected to be reopened for at least 24 hours, with the closure impacting many skiers and vacationers attempting to return home after enjoying the slopes.
According to local reports, emergency crews were mobilized shortly after the slide occurred on December 14, 2024, shortly after 11 AM. Cpl. James Grandy of the RCMP confirmed, "Emergency crews are actively trying to confirm property damage and if anyone was injured. At this time, no one has been reported as being injured."
Witnesses and onlookers shared images and videos via social media, depicting toppled trees and debris cluttering the roadway, as ambulance sirens echoed nearby. While there were no injuries reported, crews continued to assess the scene for potential property damage. The muddy aftermath has caused significant disruption for travelers aiming to traverse between Metro Vancouver and Squamish.
Among those affected were skiers Emily Bird and her partner Scott Gingrich, who had been hoping for one last ski before heading back to Toronto for Christmas. The couple rose early on Saturday, initially excited for the day on the slopes at Whistler-Blackcomb resort, only to face disappointment upon learning of the highway closure during their lunch break.
"We're feeling a bit disheartened," Gingrich expressed, reflecting on their plans, which included taking a flight the next morning. The couple's initial plan included taking what they believed would be viable detours; instead, they found themselves stranded and faced with the decision to turn back due to worsening weather conditions.
Bird added, "We will have to see if we can make the flight," illustrating the uncertainty faced by many travelers. The changing conditions forced them to abandon their original plans, opting for safety over sticking to their previously ambitious schedule.
The Ministry of Transportation is advising drivers to avoid traveling to the area as emergency crews work to assess the situation. While the Ministry has yet to provide concrete reopening times, they confirmed several assessments must be completed before the highway can be cleared.
Notably, no detours are currently available, creating additional stress for those trying to reach the lower mainland from Whistler and Pemberton. A message from the RCMP underscored the point: "There are no detours available at this time," urging travelers to stay safe and turn back when possible.
North Shore Emergency Management has offered assistance to those stranded due to the closure. They have set up reception centers at Lions Gate Community and Recreation Centre—1733 Lions Gate Lane, North Vancouver—for residents and travelers needing overnight accommodations. Reports also indicated Whistler officials established their own emergency reception center at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, enhancing efforts to aid those stuck beyond the landslide.
For individuals traveling from the north side of the slide, there is mention of alternate routes through Lillooet and Lytton, though local law enforcement strongly cautioned against using Google Maps, warning against perceived alternate routes like the Coquitlam Watershed, due to road access and safety concerns.
"Please do not take it," North Shore Rescue emphatically stated, highlighting the dangers of straying from safer, documented routes during unforeseen weather events. This warning became clearer as snowfall warnings remained active throughout the region.
Drive BC updated conditions on Saturday morning, reiteratively advising against traveling to the affected area. They noted, "Cleanup is now underway. There is no estimated time of reopening. If you are leaving Whistler right now, you will not get through," reiterative of the state of the highway.
The whole situation serves as a cautionary tale for travelers and local residents alike, demonstrating how quickly conditions can change and how important it is to remain adaptable and informed. The urgency of safely traveling and heeding warnings cannot be overstated, especially when dealing with heavy snowfall and road closures.
Although the affected area might recover soon, the emphasis remains on checking with sources like DriveBC for up-to-date information. The expected reopening time for the highway now hovers around midnight on Saturday night, with the Ministry and emergency crews working diligently to expedite cleanup efforts.
Travelers hoping to navigate the roads again can keep abreast of developments by utilizing digital resources and local news to monitor road conditions, as crews work to reverse the disruptions caused by this significant landslide.