Highway 5 about 61 kilometres south of Merritt, looking north, at around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. (Image Credit: DriveBC)
Highway 5

Up to 60 centimetres of snowfall expected for Coquihalla Highway through Friday

Feb 25, 2026 | 6:39 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — A lengthy period of heavy snow is expected for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt. 

Starting Wednesday (Feb. 25) and lasting through Friday (Feb. 27), Environment Canada says between 40 and 60 centimetres of snowfall is expected for the stretch of Highway 5. It’s due to a frontal system passing through the region that will bring instability. 

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

Further west, the weather agency is warning of a prolonged period of strong wind. 

A wind warning is in effect for the Fraser Canyon from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday. Gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected Wednesday before possibly exceeding 90 km/h Thursday. The wind is expected to ease late Thursday night. 

Residents are asked to secure loose objects. Additionally, Environment Canada warns that power outages are possible as are possible disruptions to services and transportation. 

To the east, a snowfall warning is in effect for the Trans Canada Highway from Sicamous to Golden. Environment Canada says a frontal system will bring five to 10 centimetres of snowfall to Rogers Pass Wednesday night with an additional 10 to 15 centimetres possible Thursday. 

The weather agency notes that additional snow is possible for Thursday night and Friday.