DriveBC has issued a Travel Advisory to go along with Environment Canada’s Snowfall Warning this morning (Jan. 10) for the Fernie and Elk Valley area, as the Arctic front that is freezing out northeastern B.C. and Alberta/prairies continues to blow.

DriveBC’s travel advisory for Highway 3 is due to reduced visibility due to blowing snow from Elko to Fernie. Travellers are advised to exercise caution while travelling and consider alternate plans.

Environment Canada warns that 15 to 25 cm of snow is expected today and a frostbite warning is also in effect for the Elk Valley and Kootenay National Park areas. A low pressure system over the Kootenays will continue to give heavy snow to the Elk Valley today. 10 to 15 cm of snow has already fallen overnight.

A further 5 to 10 cm expected today before the snow tapers to flurries this evening.

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow,” Environment Canada noted.

While the eastern sections of the East Kootenay are brushing up against the Arctic front, the Columbia Valley, Kimberley and Cranbrook are being spared somewhat, with current temperatures ranging between 0 C and -5 C, while temperatures are in the -11 to -19 C range in the Elk Valley, though gusting winds are chilling the air further.

Lead image: Highway 3 is in whiteout conditions between Elko and Fernie; pictured is the Morrissey area. DriveBC images

e-KNOW

Article Share