By Chad Harris

Highway passes seeing significant snowfall

Dec 9, 2015 | 6:25 AM

KAMLOOPS — While Kamloops was only a couple of degrees away from a temperature record today (December 9th), it’s a far different story on the Coquihalla Highway.

The route from Merritt to Hope has been hit with a steady snowfall over the past few days. 

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for that section, and forecaster Lisa Coldwells says that heavier snow will begin tomorrow (December 10th) early in the afternoon.

A moist Pacific frontal system crossing Southern British Columbia today combined with falling freezing levels will continue to give snow to the high elevation passes today with the heaviest snow over the Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt and Highway 3 – Allison Pass. Snow accumulations near 15 cm are reported over these highways since last night and an additional amount of 10 cm is expected by late evening. The snow will taper off overnight. However, yet another frontal system will bring up to 10 cm of snow tomorrow. 

Highway 3 was closed in both directions through Kootenay Pass Wednesday morning because of a high avalanche hazard. Warm temperatures and heavy rains have combined to create a significant threat to the highway. The road reopened around 9am.

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Officials are warning motorists to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

Meanwhile, an accident on the Trans Canada highway in Chilliwack resulted in the eastbound lanes of the highway being closed for most of the night. A woman is dead after police say she was driving in the wrong lane and hit a semi truck. The woman was going eastbound in the westbound lane just before midnight. The woman died at the scene. No indication of why the woman was in the wrong lane. 

For the latest conditions, be sure to visit Drive BC.
For the most up to date forecast, visit our weather page.