Washout closes Highway 99 north of Lillooet

A washout along a remote section of B.C.'s Highway 99 prone to landslides has forced a shut-down of the route, causing a local First Nation to take drastic measures.

Members of the Xaxli'p First Nation say the closure severs a major artery to their territory, and the group has declared a state of emergency.

Mike Lorimer with the Ministry of Transportation says the stretch of roadway between Cache Creek and Lillooet known as the '10-mile Slide' or the 'Fountain Slide' has moved about one metre.

The route is closed while officials assess the situation. The ministry will issue its next update on the closure Monday.

Google Maps: Fountain Slide area