Highway 99 is closed between Rancheree Road and Seton Lake Road, impacting an 83-kilometer stretch between Pemberton and Lillooet, according to DriveBC. The road is impassable due to a landslide, and a geotechnical investigation is underway.

The B.C. Trucking Association (BCTA) added that from Aug. 6-15, crews would be resurfacing approximately four kilometers of Highway 99 southbound through Lions Bay, stretching from Magnesia Creek to Lonetree Creek. During this period, one southbound lane will be closed 24 hours a day.

BCTA adds that northbound left-lane closures will occur Aug. 12-15 through the area, with southbound traffic redirected into a counterflow in the northbound left lane from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. While the detours will be in place, travelers should expect slower travel times and potential congestion.

The landslide occurred on the Chilcotin River about 30 kilometers upstream of the Fraser River confluence on June 30, causing a complete blockage of the river’s flow and creating a natural dam, blocking the river and forming a large pool of water.

The water began to overtop the natural dam on Aug. 5, and as of late evening, the overflow channel width over the landslide blockage was estimated at 80 meters wide, according to the B.C. government update.

In the past 24 hours, the backed-up water flow has drawn down 15 meters. Engineers and geoscientists are monitoring the situation, citing increased risks of additional landslides and bank erosion in the area. The water flow, containing significant woody debris, was expected to reach the Hope district by midday on Aug. 6, according to the ​10 a.m. update on Aug. 6.