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Snowfall and rain expected in region: Mainroad
Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting Ltd. this morning (March 6) issued an alert about incoming snowfall to the region over the next 24 hours.
Mainroad’s meteorological service is forecasting mixed precipitation starting at various times across the region, with accumulation levels varying as well. The weather event is forecast to end before Sunday night.
“We are expecting northern areas such as Invermere-Panorama to start receiving precipitation first. This should start as rain/snow mix on Friday evening, turning to snow overnight Friday night, and snow through Saturday. We are expecting the snowfall to lighten somewhat nearing the Kimberley area and much lighter precipitation in Cranbrook area,” Mainroad stated in a stakeholder update.
Elk Valley forecasts are mixed, especially for precipitation type and accumulation, but for Saturday Mainroad says it expects snowfall in Fernie, Sparwood and through to Crowsnest Pass as well.
Southern areas near the US border and up to Cranbrook are expected to be rain to a rain-snow mix.
Road surface temperatures through the weekend are forecasted to rise to near-freezing or slightly above freezing during daylight hours. This may cause a risk of slush forming on roadways, as well as causing snow to melt across the road surface, which can then re-freeze at night. The potential for rain-snow mix in areas with warming temperatures can also create hazardous slushy sections, Mainroad warned.
“Drivers will notice our equipment applying anti-ice chemicals to major roadways today, and the chalky white lines on the road surface as a result. This pre-treatment will assist with snow removal during the weather event by preventing ice from bonding to the surface. It will also help us to achieve clear road conditions much faster, once the event ends.
“Mainroad crews will continue to address road hazards as they arise during and after the event. Drivers should continue to watch for ice hazards in the days following the event, and please drive patiently around maintenance equipment to allow them to work effectively.”
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