Water from drained pool froze on Highway 97, causing crashes

UPDATE: 12:24 p.m.

Water leaked onto Highway 97 north of Vernon this morning was not from a water main break, but drainage from the pool at the Castle at Swan Lake.

"Every year around this time, we winterize our pool," says general manager Jacqueline Brooks. "We lower the water levels, and any overage runs down into the catchment basin."

However, the basin ended up being full, and the water chose the path of least resistance, which was onto the highway.

The water then froze, which caused a series crashes by Swan Lake this morning.

Brooks says the local government and/or Ministry of Transportation are responsible for water catchment on streets and highways.

"The ditch is level with the highway, and when the ditches are full, like in this instance, it goes right onto the road," she said. "I have contacted to the (authorities) to see how we can work this out."

- with files from John Lawless

UPDATE 10:14 a.m.

Southbound lanes past the accident scene are now fully open.

UPDATE 10:01 a.m.

Traffic is moving slowly past a series of accidents 10 km north of Vernon on Highway 97.

There are reports of four accidents in the area.

A sanding truck has applied gravel to the ice and motorists are being urged to use caution in the area.

"Drivers need to remember that roads are often icy this time of the year," said Vernon RCMP Const Jocelyn Noseworthy, "RCMP are asking motorists to drive to conditions, and make sure your vehicle is winter-ready."

ORIGINAL

There are reports of multiple accidents north of Vernon on Highway 97.

Emergency crews are on the scene.

Castanet has been told a section of the highway has water on it, resulting in ice on the highway.

One rollover accident and more than one rear-end collision have been reported.

Traffic is reportedly backed up in the area.

Castanet reporter John Lawless is heading to the scene and we will have more information as soon as it becomes available.