Avalanche Canada warns of considerable avalanche risk in the high country

Environment Canada has issued a ‘special weather statement’ in effect for the East Kootenay including Cranbrook, Kimberley and the Elk Valley. The Columbia Valley is not included in the statement, though flurries are forecasted through the weekend.

“A significant snowfall followed by a strong surge of Arctic air is in store this weekend. A strong Pacific low pressure system will move eastward across Washington State on Saturday. Snow is forecast to begin early in the day and persist through Saturday night. At the same time a fresh blast of Arctic air will arrive Saturday night bringing strong winds and areas of blowing snow,” Environment Canada’s Feb. 16 weather statement notes.

At this time total snowfall amounts are forecast to range between 10 and 20 cm with locally higher amounts possible. The snow will ease on Sunday but the strong winds will persist. Cold, dry weather and generally light winds are in store for early next week.

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting is alerting motorists to be aware of the approaching winter weather.

“As always, motorists are reminded to leave extra time and expect winter driving conditions.  In particular, expect blowing snow and limited visibility as gusty winds will accompany the snow.  As the Alberta Family Day weekend brings travellers to local ski hills and other area attractions, motorists are also reminded to expect increased traffic in the East Kootenay,” Mainroad stated this morning.

Additionally, Mainroad warns that its crews are seeing wildlife activity near main routes so be alert for this throughout the region.

“During winter operations, Mainroad is running full 24 hour shifts through the winter season – this means our fleet and crews are fully engaged and working around the clock.  As always, priority will be given to numbered highways followed by school bus/commercial routes and then residential side roads. Please give our crews plenty of room to work and be patient – we can’t be everywhere at once.”

Avalanche Canada is warning of considerable risk of avalanches in the Purcells and South Rockies for the alpine and treeline and moderate below treeline.

“Wind slabs, cornices and deeply buried weak layers are making for tricky conditions.  The best approach is to choose conservative terrain, minimize your exposure to overhead hazards and avoid wind-loaded slopes,” Avalanche Canada reported for the South Rockies.

“Recent storm snow has been reactive on steep slopes. Buried weak layers increase the potential size of avalanches,” it notes for the Purcells.

The Lizard Range and Flathead is rated as considerable for the alpine and moderate below.

“Choose conservative terrain, minimize your exposure to overhead hazards and avoid wind-loaded areas,” Avalanche Canada suggests.

Mainroad Operations also wants the public to know that it has sufficient winter materials stockpiled for the winter season, using a private sector trucking company to move sand and replenish stock at its yard locations.

The highways contractor also addressed concerns about how plow trucks are blading the road surface.

“Some people are expressing concern that they are not seeing sparks coming off the plows and questioning whether Mainroad operators are dropping the blade on the road.  At the start of the new highway maintenance contract, Mainroad invested in the purchase of new and modern snow removal equipment with an increase in material delivery capacity over the previous contract.  Mainroad’s new plow blades are made of tungsten carbide, which lasts longer, performs better, and doesn’t create sparks when plowed against the pavement,” the company stated.

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