Avoid Hwy 5 between Hope and Merritt while winter weather hits B.C. Interior
Credit to Author: Cayley Dobie| Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:59:06 +0000
UPDATE: Authorities are urging travellers to avoid Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt unless absolutely necessary due to ongoing snowfall that is expected to continue into Saturday morning.
#BCHwy5 SB is now OPEN from #MerrittBC to #HopeBC, travel advisory still in effect, travel is not recommended. https://t.co/juOWgructN
Meanwhile, avalanche work east of Golden will begin Saturday morning and continue until about 10 a.m. Check DriveBC for current conditions and updates.
Avalanche control work planned on #BCHwy1 east of #Goldenbc starting Saturday at 8:00 AM PST until 10:00 AM PST. Road closure planned. Detour not available. Check @DriveBC for updates.
The B.C. Coroners Service says a woman in her late 30s died Thursday afternoon in a crash on Highway 3 near Trail.
Conditions were extreme at the time, with heavy snowfall, blowing snow and limited visibility.
#BCHwy1 #BCHwy3 & #BCHwy5 Closures are in effect & travel advisories. Please check DriveBC for any updates & plan accordingly. https://t.co/LA1g0xPk8n #HopeBC #Merritt #Coquihalla #FraserCanyon #AllisonPass
Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for much of the Coquihalla Highway and Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton. These areas are expected to get as much as another 60 centimetres of snow by Saturday afternoon, according to the warning.
Environment Canada says 40 to 72 cm of snow had already fallen on the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt.
No, that is not a typo, 72cms and counting on the #Coquihalla Hope to Merritt section #BCHwy5 @DriveBC says "Travel not recommended".
Heavy snow will continue through Saturday afternoon. Weather improves significantly on Sunday. #BeSafe #BCstorm pic.twitter.com/CuVZsD20U4
Drivers travelling through the mountains are reminded to take extra precaution and be prepared for changing driving conditions.
Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in the province, including Highway 1, 3 and the Coquihalla from October 1 to April 30.
“While snow plows will be out in full force to maintain the safest driving conditions possible, drivers need to expect winter conditions,” read a statement by the ministry of transportation and infrastructure in B.C.
“Travellers are advised to bring warm winter clothing in case they need to get out of their vehicles, ensure they have a full tank of gas and carry an emergency kit.”
For updates on road conditions and closures go to drivebc.ca.
Avalanche Canada also lists the avalanche risk as high on mountain ranges from the south coast and Sea-to-Sky east to the Alberta boundary.
“Intense loading from heavy snow and strong winds will mean that an avalanche cycle is almost certain,” Avalanche Canada says on its website, describing the danger rating as high on mountain ranges across most of southeastern B.C.
“Avoid avalanche terrain, and don’t underestimate the potential for avalanches to run full path,” the website advises.
With files from the Calgary Herald and The Canadian Press
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