Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd.’s meteorological service is predicting snowfall of varying intensity, depending on the local area, in the East Kootenay.

“This system will move into the area bringing flurries Thursday morning into the afternoon. Trace amounts (two cm) of snow is expected locally but will intensify to periods of more widespread snow for Thursday night into Friday morning, Mainroad reported in a stakeholder’s update this evening (Dec. 18).

Another two to four cm of snow in the valleys and four to eight cm for Kimberley and Panorama is expected for Thursday night (Dec. 19).

Snow will then turn to rain in the valleys during Friday with 10-15 mm of rainfall possible but there will be wet snow at higher elevations with risks of six to 10 cm of snow expected in the Elk Valley, Panorama and Kimberley areas.

Motorists are reminded to drive with caution, even in areas subjected to rain rather than snow. The water left on the road surface may freeze when temperatures drop at night, causing an ice hazard, especially in such areas as shaded sections and bridge decks.

“Motorists may have noticed our units proactively treat major routes with anti-icing chemicals ahead of the event arriving, and the white chalky lines appear on the road surface as a result. Our crews will continue applying anti-ice chemicals and/or winter abrasive and performing snow removal operations where necessary,” Mainroad said.

When you contact Mainroad’s 24-hour communications and dispatch office, your observations and feedback will be passed onto crews: Communications and dispatch: 1-800-665-4929.

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