By James Peters

Snow expected on Coquihalla, Environment Canada issues special statement

Apr 12, 2019 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — Drivers heading between Kamloops and the Lower Mainland tomorrow may be in for a rude surprise.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for wintery conditions on the mountain passes in the Southern Interior, including the Coquihalla.

“If they’re driving into the mountains into the weekend, be prepared for the white stuff,” said Meteorologist Matt MacDonald.

“It’s still pretty cool up there in the mountains, and we’re seeing a good front that’s going to reach the passes overnight tonight, the Coquihalla being the hardest hit with anywhere from 10 to 20 centimetres by Saturday night.”

That volume of snowfall is usually seen in the depths of winter chill, but MacDonald says it’s not unheard of for April.

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“It’s going to be a significant snow for the middle of April — really, any time of year,” said MacDonald. “That snow is going to start early in the morning, probably around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m., and then become mixed with rain as those freezing levels creep up in the afternoon, and then switch back to snow on Saturday evening.”

Winter tires are required on the Coquihalla through the end of April, and MacDonald says this is exactly the reason why.

“While it might feel like spring down at valley bottom, we have a chance of snow well through the end of April. Even into May, we’ve seen snow up in the Coq. So be prepared for those winter conditions if you’re heading up there.”