The Yukon government will not discuss anything that may describe the location of a bundle of undetonated explosives used in a failed attempt to trigger an avalanche along the South Klondike Highway.

Don Hobbis, the director of highway maintenance, said the government does not want to provide any indication about the possible location of the live explosives to thrill seekers and kids looking for an adventure.

In keeping with standard practice for triggering an avalanche to reduce the build-up of snow, the bundle of explosive measuring approximately 1.5 feet square was dropped from a helicopter on Feb. 28 by local avalanche expert Hector MacKenzie.

The explosive did not detonate, and it was too hazardous to attempt retrieval of the package, Hobbis explained.

Asked whether that particular spot has released an avalanche yet, Hobbis reiterated he will not discuss any information that may hint at which of the 47 avalanche chutes along the highway contains the explosives.

Until the snowpack stabilizes and the spring melt reduces the level of snow, there will be no attempts to physically search the area, he said.

Road crews are making visual sweeps of the area at least once a day to see whether the bundle of explosives has been uncovered by the melt.

A concern by road crews with the presence of undetonated explosives is said to have led to some delay in the clean-up of one of two avalanches that closed the Skagway Road last week.

The presence of explosives and concern by road crews was the subject of much talk during last Saturday's Buckwheat Classic cross-country ski race at Log Cabin, just north of the Canadian border station.

Hobbis said there is little risk to the travelling public, as there is very little chance the undetonated explosive will blow up.

The reason for the device's failure, however, remains unknown.

Hobbis pointed out the avalanche paths are not areas frequented by the public because of the steep terrain and the additional caution to motorists not to stop in avalanches areas.

But he does ask anyone who does come across a suspicious-looking package to leave it where it is and contact the RCMP.