For several hours Sunday, the Sea-to-Sky Highway was closed north of Pemberton because of an avalanche.

The highway has been closed in both directions about 45 km north of Pemberton, as an avalanche covered 80 metres of Highway 99, said Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Jeff Knight.

At its deepest point, the avalanche measured four meters from top to bottom, he said.

"It's a relatively small avalanche, and we are hoping to have it open early this evening," said Knight.

By 6:45 p.m., the avalanche had cleared.