Highway 5 southbound at the Zopkios Rest area near the Coquihalla Summit, looking north as pictured around 5:25 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025. (Image Credit: DriveBC)

By Victor Kaisar

Snowfall Warning

Another 10 to 20 cm of snow expected to fall at Coquihalla Summit Monday

Dec 22, 2025 | 5:32 PM

MERRITT — (UPDATE 8:50 p.m.): A travel advisory has been reinstated on the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla Highway as a snowfall warning is into its fifth day, with more snow is on the way.

Environment Canada is forecasting between 10 and 20 cm of snow for Monday (Dec. 22) night, with snow accumulations of 15 cm expected at the Coquihalla Summit. The snow is expected to taper to a few flurries Tuesday morning.

“Another weather system will bring snow to the highway again tonight,” Environment Canada said. “Light snow from the system will intensify this evening.”

“Travel will likely be challenging. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will likely be reduced at times.”

The travel advisory was issued at about 6:30 p.m., and DriveBC says the “forecasted intense snow” is expected to begin at 8:00 p.m.

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“Expect delays and slow moving plows and equipment working,” the advisory said. “Do not pass working plows on the right.”

According to Yellowhead Road and Bridge (YRB) Nicola, which is responsible for clearing the highway from the Logan Lake turnoff to the Great Bear Snowshed, over two metres of snow has fallen at the Coquihalla Summit over the last seven days.

“Definitely winter conditions up on the Coquihalla,” YRB Nicola General Manager Dave Duncan told CFJC, as he pleaded with drivers to not pass plows on the right after a plow was run off the road over the weekend.

DriveBC is reporting slippery sections with limited visibility and heavy snowfall on the Coquihalla between Exit 202: Portia and Exit 256: Coldwater, and slippery sections with compact snow between the Coldwater exit and Exit 336: Walloper Interchange with Highway 97D.

You can find the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada here and the latest on highway conditions from DriveBC here.