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Larson Hill on Highway 5 at Larson Hill, 36 km south of Merritt, looking north. (elevation: 1025 metres) (Photo credit: Drive BC)
By Kevin Rothwell
Winter tires required until April 30 on some roads

Winter is not yet over on mountain highways

Apr 9, 2021 | 11:43 AM

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for three sections of the Coquihalla Highway, including the Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and Hope to Merritt.

The weather agency says those sections of Highway 5 could see snowfall amounts of 15 to 20 cm.

An active frontal system is sliding down the B.C. Coast and will impact the south coast Friday April 9.

With an ideal southwesterly flow, ample moisture, and relatively low snow levels, the Coquihalla Summit is expected to get snow, heavy at times, starting mid morning and continuing into this evening.

Snow will taper off to a few flurries overnight.

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Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from October 1 to March 31. For select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date will be extended until April 30 to account for early-spring snowfall.

B.C. tire warning sign (photo credit: Shift into Winter/Drive BC)

Road conditions are available at www.drivebc.ca.

by Kevin Rothwell
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