Road report: Highway 1 to reopen

Photo: Contributed - DriveBC

Update -- 11 a.m.

The travel advisory for the Coquihalla has ended, but Environment Canada is now expecting a new dump of snow to fall along the route between Hope and Merritt later Wednesday evening.

"The weather system that brought 15 to 20 cm of new snow to the Coquihalla last night is moving eastward and snow will ease to a few wet flurries this afternoon," reads the weather alert.

"However, heavy snow is expected to redevelop tonight as another Pacific system approaches. The snow will persist into Thursday afternoon and accumulation of 20 to 30 cm are likely near and above the snowshed."

Highway 1 between Craigellachie to Revelstoke is expected to reopen by 4 p.m. Wednesday, but motorists should expect the same conditions to continue throughout the week.

Environment Canada forecasts are calling for rising temperatures, periods of heavy snowfall and snow mixed with rain over the remainder of the week which may lead to slippery driving conditions. Further highway closures may be required for avalanche control and travelers are advised to drive with caution and allow additional travel time to reach their destination. 

The sloppy weather seen across the Okanagan this morning is not limited to the valley, it is also extending to many of the mountain passes and is making travel difficult across the province.

DriveBC is reporting heavy snowfall on the Coquihalla from Hope to Merritt, and there is a travel advisory in effect; motorists should be prepared for delays.

There is also avalanche control being conducted on Highway 1 near Glacier National Park. This will be taking place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, with individual closures of between two and four hours.

Highway 1 is also closed in both directions just east of Craigellachie to west of Revelstoke due to high avalanche hazard. An assessment of the area in currently in progress with no estimated time of reopening.