Drivers warned to avoid several highways in B.C. because of heavy snowfall
Credit to Author: Cayley Dobie| Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2019 17:13:37 +0000
Drivers travelling home for the holidays on some B.C. highways may need to change or delay their plans because of possible record-breaking amounts of snow on some routes.
An “emergency warning” posted Saturday on Drive B.C. says heavy snowfall is expected to continue through the day for many routes, including the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, where up to 97 centimetres of snow has accumulated since Thursday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Anyone with plans to drive in southwest B.C. via highways 1, 3, 5, 5A, and 97C, and Highway 1, east of Sicamous to Alberta, are asked to seriously consider making alternative plans.
Authorities on Friday urged travellers to avoid Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt unless absolutely necessary due to ongoing snowfall that is expected to continue Saturday.
#BCHwy5 SB is now OPEN from #MerrittBC to #HopeBC, travel advisory still in effect, travel is not recommended. https://t.co/juOWgructN
Early Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Canada posted updated snowfall accumulations for several highways. The Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt has received 45 to 97 centimetres of snow, while Allison Pass has accumulated up to 103 centimetres. The Coquihalla from Merritt to Kamloops has accumulated up to 20 centimetres since Thursday.
Updated highway snowfall accumulations and south coast rainfall amounts as of 5pm PST, 20th Dec 2019 available here: https://t.co/MIOFzgfrUL #BCStorm
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 and Climate Change 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.
The agency said Friday that 40 to 72 centimetres 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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