Winter driving hazards continue in B.C. due to heavy snowfall
Credit to Author: David Carrigg| Date: Sun, 22 Dec 2019 17:49:19 +0000
Hazardous winter driving conditions are expected to continue through today in much of the southern Interior, especially near the border with Alberta.
DriveBC says drivers could face temporary road closures on Highway 93 near Radium Hot Springs and on Highway 3 at Kootenay Pass to allow crews to conduct avalanche control work. Highway 31A, between New Denver and Retallack, is also closed for avalanche control work.
CLOSED – #BCHwy31A– High avalanche hazard has the highway closed in both directions between #NewDenver and #Kaslo. Estimated time of opening is not available. Assessment is still ongoing. Alternate route available.
Next update: 12:00 PM PST
More info: https://t.co/wzYqLvjddv pic.twitter.com/Gpp8bekeXA
There is a travel advisory for Highway 3 today between Hope and Princeton, with drivers warned to use caution over Allison Pass because of compact snow on the road.
The heavy snow is expected to end later today.
But drivers are advised to consider alternate travel plans until conditions improve as weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.
Check DriveBC for the latest driving conditions.
Heavy snowfall on Saturday led to warnings for the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, and highways 1, 3, 5, 5A, and 97C, and Highway 1, east of Sicamous to Alberta.
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.
REMINDER – #BCHwy1 Snow deposit removal has the highway CLOSED from #RevelstokeBC to #GoldenBC. Assessment in progress. Next update is 3pm.
For more information: https://t.co/aBpEVIancP
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.
Environment and Climate Change Canada had 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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