Special weather statement expanded to include Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt

Environment Canada has expanded a special weather statement for B.C. mountain highways to include the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla.

It says the mountain pass could get between two and 10 cm of snow by Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 13).

“A cold front moving through the interior of British Columbia will drop the temperatures tonight,” the weather alert said.

“Rapid cooling over the Interior combined with moisture from an upper low moving through Washington is likely to give snow over the high elevation highway passes.”

Similar special weather statements are already in effect for the Okanagan Connector between Merritt and Kelowna as well as Highway 3 through the Kootenay Pass.

A snowfall warning is also in effect for Highway 3 between Hope to Princeton via the Allison Pass with between 10 and 20 cm of snow expected by Sunday (Oct. 12) afternoon

“Snow may rapidly accumulate on roads and visibilities may be greatly reduced leading to difficult travel conditions,” the Environment Canada alert continued.

“Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.”

Winter tires requirements took effect in B.C. on Oct. 1 and these provincial regulations will remain in place until the spring.

You can find the latest B.C. Travellers Forecast from Environment Canada here and the latest weather alerts here.