A driver who twice ignored a Rogers Pass closure during avalanche blasting now faces a $4,500 fine and a two-year park ban.
A Costly Drive Through Danger
It started as a winter shortcut. Instead, it ended as an expensive lesson.
A motorist who ignored a closure on the Trans-Canada Highway through Rogers Pass—twice—has been fined $4,500 and banned from accessing national parks for two years. The decision followed a recent hearing in B.C. provincial court and sent a clear message: closed means closed.
Why the Highway Was Shut Down
Last winter, a powerful storm pushed avalanche danger in Glacier and Mount Revelstoke national parks to extreme levels. As a result, Parks Canada closed Highway 1 between Revelstoke and Golden so avalanche crews could work safely.
During that closure, live explosives were being used to knock unstable snow off steep mountain slopes. These operations protect drivers, workers, and the highway itself. However, despite clear warnings, one driver entered the restricted area not once, but twice.
Charges, Court, and Consequences
Because of those actions, the motorist was charged under the Canada National Parks Act. The court later imposed a $4,500 fine and a two-year ban from park access.
Part of that fine was directed to Avalanche Canada, a common outcome for winter-related park violations in Rogers Pass. According to Parks Canada, the ruling highlights just how serious these offences are.
Rogers Pass: A High-Risk Route
Rogers Pass is not just scenic—it is dangerous in winter. In fact, it carries the highest avalanche risk rating of any major road in Canada.
Here’s why:
- 135 avalanche paths cross the corridor
- 43 kilometres of Highway 1 are exposed
- About 2,000 avalanches occur each year
Because of these risks, Parks Canada works closely with the Canadian Armed Forces, who use tools like howitzers to trigger controlled slides before nature does it on its own.
Warnings Are Shared Early and Often
Closure notices are issued well in advance through DriveBC. Traffic is also stopped far from the danger zone, usually in Revelstoke and Golden. Despite this, officials say some drivers still take risks that put lives at stake.
According to Parks Canada, closures exist to protect everyone—especially crews performing high-risk avalanche control.
Winter Driving Demands Preparation
Officials are urging all motorists to plan ahead. That means winter tires, a full tank of gas, and a safety kit with food, water, warm clothes, and blankets. It also means slowing down, keeping distance, and respecting every sign and barrier.
Safety, they stress, is a shared responsibility.
A Final Reminder for Mountain Travelers
Studies back up the warnings. Recent data shows Highway 1 is one of Canada’s most crash-prone winter roads, with the Rogers Pass stretch ranking among the most dangerous.
For Parks Canada, this case says it all. Entering a closed area is illegal, risky, and avoidable. And as this driver learned the hard way, ignoring the rules can come with a very steep price.
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