Snow arriving for Griz Days tonight

Weekend travellers take note: winter is still here and East Kootenay highways are likely to get some precipitation.

“We have possible scattered rain or wet snow today with the possibility of snow accumulations from a trace to two cm in the higher elevations,” reported Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting this morning.

It is expected the precipitation will become steadier Friday night and is expected to be mainly snow especially at higher elevations. Snow amounts of three to six cm are expected with up to 10 cm in the higher elevations and the Elk Valley.

For those heading west of Creston on Highway 3, note that Environment Canada has issued a weather warning for the Paulson and Kootenay Passes.

DriveBC reports winter driving conditions throughout the East Kootenay.

What can revelers expect in Fernie for this weekend’s Griz Days?

Environment Canada says Fernie and area could receive up to 10 cm of snow tonight with flurries on Saturday, with a low of about -11 C. Bundle up for the parade at 5:30 p.m. Sunday is pretty much the same with a low expected of -8.

Cranbrook and Kimberley areas and the Columbia Valley will experience periods of rain changing to snow after midnight for Friday, March 3. There is a 60% chance of flurries on Saturday and Sunday, with lows expected around -5 to -7 C.

“The travelling public is asked to watch for puddles and possibility of ice as sections of the ground under the roads are still frozen,” noted Mainroad, adding its crews will be out patrolling and addressing any highway concerns as they arise.

As always, motorists should leave extra time and be frequently checking www.drivebc.ca for road conditions and it would be advisable to check Environment Canada for any weather warning or alerts before setting out on a trip.

Be prepared, check DriveBC.ca and know before you go.

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting 24 hour hotline: 1-800-665-4929.  Please report road hazards and unsafe conditions. This hotline is used to update DriveBC, dispatch additional personnel and record public communication as required.

Lead image: Highway 3 at Sparwood. DriveBC images

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