Steady snow and risk of freezing rain expected for the Coquihalla Highway: Environment Canada

KAMLOOPS — Following a prolonged period of snow due to Pacific systems, the snow will change to rain on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement that will last from Sunday (Feb. 27) to Monday (Feb. 28) afternoon.

While up to 10 centimetres of snow is expected on the stretch of Highway 5 before a brief break Sunday evening, Environment Canada projects an additionally period of steady snow later, giving an additional 10 to 20 centimetres by noon Monday.

Additionally, there’s a risk of freezing rain for the Coquihalla Highway Monday morning, along with melting snow. Warmer air is expected to arrive and raise the snow levels to above the summit elevation on Monday.

The current guidance indicates that snow will change to rain near noon Monday, although there is still uncertainty with the exact timing of the transition,” Environment Canada states. “Melting snow could result in slippery and slushy conditions on roads. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.”

Elsewhere, Environment Canada says snow is expected to intensive on the Trans Canada Highway from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass from Monday until Tuesday (March 1).

Drivers can monitor road conditions on DriveBC’s website.