Record-breaking snowfall in Williams Lake

Feb 8, 2018 | 8:52 AM

KAMLOOPS — Wednesday was a record breaker when it comes to snowfall in Williams Lake.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Cindy Yu says the central Cariboo town received 19.8 centimetres of snow Wednesday, more than the previous high which fell over three decades ago.

“It was the snowiest Feb. 7 on record. The previous record was set on Feb. 7, 1985 when there was 11.6 centimetres of snow.”

She adds the worst of the snow is now over, but notes motorists should still be careful if venturing out on area highways.

“We’re definitely seeing a clearing trend across the central Interior and pretty much through the southeast. The snow is tapering off but there are still some winds lingering for places further north. With all that snow in place, people are still probably dealing with local blowing snow today.”

In addition to that, Drive BC has issued a travel advisory due to compact ice from 50 kilometres south of Williams Lake to 25 kilometres north of Williams Lake. Closer to Kamloops, Highway 1 will be closed in both directions 26 kilometres west of Revelstoke to eight kilometres west of Revelstoke because of avalanche control from noon until 2 p.m. today.

Highway 1 is also closed in both directions from Revelstoke to Golden until noon because of a high avalanche hazard. Highway 1 eastbound is also closed from Sicamous to Revelstoke because of a high avalanche hazard. The scheduled reopening there is at 2:00 p.m.