HOPE, B.C. — A number of giant mudslides have forced the closure of the Trans-Canada Highway near Hope and the Fraser Canyon.

Mild temperatures combined with heavy rains have created treacherous road conditions, warns B.C.’s Highways Department. The department warns that the snow pack is melting and the rain is washing it right onto the roads.

“I believe we had somewhere in the vicinity of between 100 and 140mm (of rain last night),” Highways Ministry spokesman Barry Eastman tells local media.

A massive mudslide occurred at Bridal Falls, wiping an abandoned minivan right off the highway. Royal Canadian Mounted Police say it was one of at least four giant mudslides within the last 24 hours.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways say crews are being flown into the area by helicopter to clear the highway so the cleanup process could take some time. All drivers are asked to check the Ministry of Transport Web site at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighways/roadreports/roadreports.htm for the latest information.