YRB calls for potential snow warning for Kootenay Pass
By Nelson Daily Staff
Snow in May?
If you think it’s a typo, then ask Marc Dale, Operations Manager / SE Kootenay District Yellowhead Road & Bridge Ltd.
“Yes the calendar is correct it is May 13th . . . yet there is a cold winter front flowing across the Interior overnight tonight which will create snow accumulations as low as 1300 meters,” Dale said in an emailed release.
“The temperature now on the summit is three degrees and the temperature will fall below freezing on Kootenay Pass overnight with snow accumulations,” he added.
Dale said winter fronts at this time of year are unpredictable with snow accumulations.
However he believes there is the potential for five to 10 centimeters is real over night tonight on Kootenay Pass and is asking drivers to be prepared for gusting winds and winter driving conditions over Kootenay Pass into Tuesday morning.
“Air and surface temperatures will fluctuate dramatically from the valley to the summit,” Dale said.
YRB will have operators patrolling with Plow Trucks and monitoring Kootenay Pass overnight.
Anyone traveling the Kootenay Pass should be prepared for ever changing conditions and check Drive BC, and they witness any road hazards report them to YRB’s toll free at 1-888-352-0356.
