White Butte RCMP is asking motorists to avoid Highway 1 near Pense as officers respond to numerous accidents in the area.

A collision between a jack-knifed semi and multiple vehicles is restricting traffic in the eastbound lanes as of 7:20 p.m.

According to Highway Hotline, winter conditions exist with icy or slippery sections and wet subject to freezing as of 6 p.m. However, White Butte RCMP are now saying that travel is not recommended and motorists should not be travelling in the area.

UPDATE: The highway was cleared and traffic resumed at approximately 9 p.m.