A recent update on December 30, 2025, reports ongoing highway washouts in Haida Gwaii and northwest British Columbia. Heavy rain has caused a washout, leading to the closure of a 5.3-kilometre stretch of Highway 16 between Lawnhill Road and Miller Road. As of 1 p.m. PT on Monday, there is no detour available for drivers.
Photos shared by resident Alex Rinfret show the severe damage near Jungle Beach, where the highway has completely disappeared due to the heavy rain. This unprecedented washout has isolated the critical north-south route on the archipelago.
Efforts are underway to address the washout, with plans to construct a temporary structure. However, there is no set timeline for completion. Residents are advised to avoid fast-flowing rivers in the area.
The emergency room at the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital in Masset will have restricted hours, operating from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily until January 4, 2026. Outside these hours, patients will be redirected to the Haida Gwaii Hospital in Daajing Giids due to the latest ER closures affecting the Masset facility.
The Haida Nation issued a statement warning residents about “extreme flooding” on Haida Gwaii, cautioning against using backroads and remote routes. The region is under a flood watch, with rivers at risk of exceeding bank levels due to heavy rainfall.
Environment Canada has issued a yellow rainfall warning for parts of the North Coast region, with up to 200 millimetres of rain expected in some areas. The weather agency also forecasts significant snowfall in certain regions, impacting travel routes.
Officials are closely monitoring the situation and working on solutions to ensure access to emergency care and transportation services in the affected areas.