Skip to content

West Kootenay highways a mess as heavy snowfall continues

‘Roads are very icy, people have to be patient and have to slow down’
14748157_web1_181213-CAN-snowfall-roadconditions2
RCMP are cautioning drivers to slow down as a storm moves through the region. (Photo: John Boivin)

It’s so lousy out there even the Mounties don’t want to drive.

“I just got back from driving to Trail this morning, and it was 60 kilometres [an hour] all the way,” says Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Darren Oelke. “It’s really not that good out there.”

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the West Kootenay, as a moist Pacific frontal system moves across southern B.C. today. Total snowfall accumulation of 15 to 25 centimetres is expected.

Environment Canada Snowfall Warning

DriveBC is reporting compact snow, slushy and slippery sections along most West Kootenay highways.

DriveBC Road Conditions

Oelke says the RCMP detachment has responded to numerous accident reports from all over the area.

“People have been spinning out. We had a car hit the ditch by the Brilliant bluffs,” Oelke says. “Highway 3 west was a snarled mess this morning.”

So far there are no reports of any serious injuries.

“Roads are very icy, people have to be patient and have to slow down.”



reporter@rosslandnews.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

14748157_web1_181213-CAN-snowfall-roadconditions1
Roads are a slippery, slush mess throughout the West Kootenay. (Photo: John Boivin)