Mainroad East Kootenay has issued a weather advisory for the region, anticipating intense winter conditions in the next 48 hours, including heavy snow.
“Mainroad’s meteorological service is predicting snowfall of varying intensity, depending on local area,” said Mainroad East Kootenay. “Cranbrook, Kimberley, and Yahk are expected to be affected by flurries and light snow; communities from Morrissey eastward, such as Sparwood, Elkford, and Fernie are expected to receive fairly heavy snowfall.”
Snowfall accumulations will vary across the East Kootenay, from as low as 2 centimetres to more than 20 centimetres, according to Mainroad’s meteorological service. The consensus, however, is that more snow will fall in the eastern side of the region than the western side.
“After Wednesday morning, the weather is expected to become more challenging, as temperatures are expected to fall for the rest of the week,” added Mainroad. “Road surface temperature, in particular, is forecast to be low enough that anti-ice measures will not be effective at melting snow and ice.”
As a result, motorists are advised that driving conditions will not be ideal and that compact snow is expected on the roadways for the next several days.
At this time, a winter storm is also impacting the Alberta side of the Rocky Mountains. Environment Canada has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Snowfall Warnings for the Crowsnest Pass and the entirety of southwest Alberta. The weather warnings are anticipating some local areas to exceed 50 centimetres of snow and whiteout conditions due to blowing snow.
More: Environment Canada Public Weather Alerts (Alberta)
In preparation for the winter weather event, Mainroad said they have been applying anti-ice chemicals as well as winter abrasive where applicable.
“Motorists may have noticed our units proactively treating major routes with anti-icing chemicals ahead of the event arriving, and the white chalky lines on the road surface as a result,” said Mainroad. “Our crews will continue applying anti-ice chemicals and/or winter abrasive and performing snow removal operations where necessary.”
Environment Canada has not issued any weather alert or advisories as of Wednesday morning for the East Kootenay region.
More: Environment Canada Public Weather Alerts (British Columbia)