Snow flurries, black ice and rain showers. Those are the words describing much of the Kootenays this morning.

Higher elevation areas are receiving flurries, while valleys are getting rain showers. That means please drive accordingly if you are out and about in the East Kootenay today. Temperatures fluctuate quickly and black ice is being reported.

Highway 3 between Elko and Fernie is currently single lane alternating traffic as a semi trailer is recovered and an 8 a.m. crash is investigated by Elk Valley RCMP.

Roads in the region are mostly wet this morning with periodic black ice, as per DriveBC webcams, but if you have to head west into the Central Kootenay – be prepared for a much different picture (see image above of Kootenay Pass). Compact snow with slippery sections are reported for Highway 3 west of Creston.

Environment Canada reports snow levels are at about 900 metres around Creston, meaning Kootenay Pass is snow city right now. Chains are required for semi transports and snow tires are highly recommended.

For most areas the flurries are expected to taper off heading into the afternoon, Environment Canada reported.

Morning flurries in the Cranbrook, Kimberley and Columbia Valley areas, with flurries likely to continue into the afternoon in Kootenay National Park. Flurries are expected to stop early this afternoon in the Elk Valley.

The first committed snowfall of the season began yesterday, causing traditional havoc on East Kootenay highways some drivers failed to adjust to the slippery conditions. Accidents were reported in all areas of the region, with Cranbrook RCMP asking the public to slow down and take care following a spate of crashes yesterday morning.

Mainroad East Kootenay, tasked with keeping the region’s highways passable, released its first weather update of the season late yesterday and it applies this morning.

“Heavy, wet snow fell throughout the East Kootenay this morning and into the afternoon. 
Mainroad crews were out before and during this weather the event plowing, salting, sanding and applying liquid chlorides. Main highways are generally bare and wet and cleanup is now moving to side roads in areas that still have some accumulation.

Environment Canada reports temperatures tonight are expected to dip below freezing, to about -5 C in the region.

The swings in temperatures create black ice, Mainroad said, adding that creates another possible problem; wildlife on the highways.

As plough operators treat the highways for black ice and frost, “salt treatment of highways tends to attract wildlife. Some slush is also present. Motorists are reminded to slow down, watch for slippery sections and keep an eye out for wildlife on the road,” Mainroad warned.

“Plows and spreader trucks are out on the roads so watch out for them. Carry plenty of washer fluid and make sure headlights and taillights are clean and working. 
No serious weather is forecasted but intermittent precipitation and freezing conditions may be encountered for the next few days. If you haven’t got your winter tires on, now is the time.”

e-KNOW

Article Share