Wet snow, slippery driving conditions expected along Coquihalla

CHILLIWACK — Summer will officially arrive Wednesday, but in the days leading up to the summer solstice, drivers along the Coquihalla may have to contend with wet snow on the highway.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning motorists who are planning to drive the Coquihalla, the Okanagan Connection or Highway 3 through Allison Pass.

It says a trough of cold air will move over southwestern B.C. Saturday (Jun. 17) evening. It will deliver precipitation while lowering snow levels in the region. It expects snow levels will move to 1,400 metres by Sunday morning. The situation will persist until Tuesday morning.

A mix of wet flurries and rain showers is expected near the Coquihalla Summit, Allison Pass and the Helmer Lake Summit. However scattered flurries are anticipated over the Pennask Summit along the Okanagan Connector.

The weather statement says drivers should slow their speed through slippery sections.

It also warns drivers that weather conditions in mountains can change suddenly and says drivers should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.