—Final Saturday update—
DriveBC says it is estimated that Highway 99 will reopen at 9 a.m. on Sunday after the landslide at Lions Bay is cleaned up.
The landslide cleanup is in progress at Brunswick Beach, with the highway remaining closed overnight, says a DriveBC post to X at 9:13 p.m.
—Updated at 8:30 p.m.—
The Sea to Sky Highway is not expected to be reopened for at least 24 hours, after a landslide at Lions Bay closed it in both directions this morning, according to Cpl. James Grandy, of the RCMP.
Highway maintenance contractors are currently completing a technical assessment along with Ministry of Transportation.
"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," he said, in a news release.
There are no detours available for those south of the landslide at this time; however, those in Whistler and Pemberton who need to travel to the Lower Mainland, may take an alternative route north on Highway 99.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler, however, notes that it is still best to remain in Whistler, if there now, rather than chance the alternate route.
RCMP officers from Squamish, North Vancouver and BC Highway Patrol, with help from West Vancouver Police, are all involved with this incident.
Motorists are encouraged to check DriveBC for further updates on when the highway may be reopened.
—Updated at 7:36 p.m.—
The District of Squamish has told those trapped in town by the landslide at Lions Bay that the highway will likely be closed all night.
"Highway 99 is expected to remain closed in both directions at Lions Bay overnight. Anyone north of this area is asked not to take the highway south. Individuals in Squamish who are impacted by the closure, please seek accommodation or support from friends and family if possible," reads a District post on social media.
—Updated at 6:25 p.m.—
North Shore Emergency Management has announced that a reception centre is open for those who are stuck on that side of the Lions Bay landslide, unable to make it home.
The Lions Gate Community and Recreation Centre at 1733 Lions Gate Lane in North Vancouver is open.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler posted to its social media advising folks not to head south.
"Anyone in Whistler is asked not to take the highway south. Those who are able, please find accommodation by booking a hotel room or accessing friends and family," the RMOW post reads.
"People are asked not to attempt to sleep in their vehicles. A reception centre is being arranged for those who have not been able to access accommodation through friends and family or a hotel. This is for those who have no other option."
The reception centre location in Whistler will be released by 8 p.m.
—Updated at 4:15 p.m.—
Highway 99 remains closed in both directions near Lions Bay due to a landslide.
According to a DriveBC update on X, crews had to perform a geotechnical and structural assessment before cleaning up the debris.
"Cleanup now underway. RCMP have set up a checkpoint in Squamish. There is no estimated time of reopening. If you are leaving Whistler right now, you will not get through," reads the update.
The District of Squamish also sent out an automated alert about the landslide urging people not to attempt to head southbound on the highway.
"Map applications (e.g. Google Maps) are showing rerouting options via Mamquam Forest Service Road. This is not an alternate route—please do not take this alternate route," the alert reads.
—Original story—
Highway 99 is closed in both directions near Lions Bay due to a landslide, according to Drive BC.
"Landslide between Lions Bay Ave and Brunswick Beach Rd (Lions Bay). Road closed. Assessment in progress. Tree on road. Debris on roadway. Expect delays," reads a post on drivebc.ca.
The next update is expected at 3 p.m., but according to the Squamish RCMP, the road will not be reopened until about midnight tonight.
"The highway has been closed in both directions, and is not expected to be reopened until midnight. There are no detours available at this time," said Cpl. James Grandy with the RCMP.
"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. Motorists are encouraged to check DriveBC for further updates on when the highway may be reopened."
Posts on the Sea to Sky Road Conditions Facebook page show the extent of the damage.
An anonymous poster claiming to represent Miller Capilano Maintenance Corp asked motorists to turn around if possible.
"This is gonna take a lot of resources to clean up," the post read. "If it is safe to do so please turn around and head back the direction you came. Otherwise, we will not be able to get equipment and personnel to the site. We are sending staff to set up roadblocks, but if you are stuck at the site turn around please."
Check back with Pique for more as this story develops. Find the latest road updates at drivebc.ca.
