Environment Canada has issued separate warnings for wind and heavy snow, which are expected to impact the Banff and Jasper National Parks in the next 48 hours.

Environment Canada predicts snowfall up to 10-20cm at higher elevations, four to eight cm in lower elevations, and wind gusts up to 90km/h. Snow is already falling quite heavily in the Columbia Valley.

The strong winds may cause tree branches to break, possibly affecting local highways, as well as causing poor visibility due to blowing snow.

“Although the Banff and Jasper National Parks are outside the East Kootenay service area, Mainroad crews and management will stay informed of weather conditions as they may affect the nearby Columbia Valley. Patrols and observations will continue around the clock across the East Kootenay service area,” Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd. stated this evening (Dec. 28).

If necessary, crews will continue to apply de-icing chemicals and/or winter abrasive and perform snow removal operations on all highways until the event passes and roadways are returned to the acceptable standard and back to normal, Mainroad said.

As of 8:30 p.m. Dec. 28, DriveBC is reporting black ice on parts of Highway 43, as well as on parts of Highway 3 between Wardner and the Alberta border and on Highway 93 between Highway 3 and the Montana border. Slushy and slippery sections can be expected throughout the region.

Lead image: Radium Junction (Highway 93 and 95) earlier this evening. DriveBC images

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