The Okanagan Connector about 25 km east of the Highway 5A junction (Image Credit: Drive BC)

By Victor Kaisar

Coquihalla Snow

Environment Canada issues special weather statement for B.C. mountain passes

Nov 16, 2024 | 11:13 AM

KAMLOOPS — If you’re heading down to Vancouver to watch the Grey Cup game this Sunday, expect to encounter a significant amount of snow on your commute Saturday.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for between 10 and 15 centimeters of snow on the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla and the Okanagan Connector.

The statement also covers the Trans-Canada Highway between Eagle and Rogers Pass and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton.

“A frontal system will push into the region this evening bringing periods of heavy snow to the highway,” Environment Canada said, in a statement.

“Snowfall accumulations are expected to be heaviest overnight but significant accumulations are likely to continue through Sunday morning.”

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The weather office says there will be “bands of snowshowers” into Sunday evening, Nov. 17, and its warning that rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult in some areas.

“In addition, due to gusty winds, there maybe some areas of blowing snow contributing to very poor visibilities,” the statement added.

At lower elevation – like the City of Kamloops and area – Environment Canada says there will be wet snow mixed with rain Saturday and a chance of showers Sunday afternoon.

A special weather statement has also been issued for Metro Vancouver with up to 40 mm of rain and strong winds expected to last into Saturday evening, while a snowfall warning is in effect for Highway 3 from the Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.

Whistler is also expected to see its first “significant snowfall” of the season this weekend.

– With files from The Canadian Press