If you have to drive through the Kootenays in the next couple of days, you might want to be aware of possible delays and white-knuckle conditions as another Pacific Ocean bloated system rolls in from the coast.

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd. is warning travellers about potential upcoming transportation woes as the avalanche hazard in the East Kootenay increases and a fresh round of snow could turn into rain.

The snow flurries have begun in the Cranbrook area and Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Alert for the Elk Valley and the Highway 3 passes (Crowsnest and Kootenay).

“The significant accumulations of this storm are expected to start Thursday morning into the afternoon. The other concern with this storm is the warmer temperatures expect in the afternoon and possibility of ice rain mixed with the snow. This combination can create extremely slippery conditions on the roadway.  The avalanche hazard is expected to move to ‘High’ and motorists can expect delays due to avalanche control if they are traveling around the province,” Mainroad noted in a media update.

“Mainroad crews will continue to be out in force clearing and applying winter abrasive or chemical as required.  We would like to remind motorists to drive to the conditions and give yourself lots of time for your travels.”

Please, before you head out especially those traveling this B.C. Family Day long weekend, to check the road conditions on DriveBC.

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting 24 hour hotline: 1-800-665-4929.  Please report road hazards and unsafe conditions.  This hotline is used to update DriveBC, dispatch additional personnel and record public communication as required.

e-KNOW

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