B.C. snowfall warnings concerning for drivers, good news for skiers

Fresh powder is in store on the slopes this weekend, with the forecast calling for up to 30 cm of snow for the Whistler area starting Friday night.

However, with ideal conditions for skiers and snowboarders, those conditions will be less than ideal for drivers.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for several areas in the province, including the Sea to Sky Highway.

That route is expected to see heavy snow Friday night through to Saturday.

Along with 25 to 35 cm of snow in Squamish, Sea to Sky, and Whistler, heavy wind is also expected.

A look at Environment Canada’s warning and watches issued Friday morning in B.C. (weather.gc.ca)

Along the south coast, a snowfall warning has been issued for Metro Vancouver’s higher elevations.

Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, the North Shore, Coquitlam and Maple Ridge could all see up to 10 cm of snow Friday through to Saturday.

Those living in the Fraser Valley should also get ready for more snow, with areas like Chilliwack and Abbotsford predicted to see snow overnight.

Meteorologist Michael Kuss says that conditions will warm up Saturday, and most areas will likely see that snow turn into rain.

“Back to a drier day on Sunday with highs up to five degrees,” Kuss said.

Snow is expected to fall heavily on road crews along the Coquihalla Highway Saturday as they work to repair flood-damaged sections in time for Monday, when the province says the vital corridor will reopen to commercial traffic. A winter storm warning is in effect for that stretch between Hope to Merritt with a chance of freezing rain late Saturday.

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Highway 3, which is open for essential vehicles only, is also under a winter storm warning which could impact visibility along the mountainous route all day Saturday. Truckers and other motorists are urged to respect the speed limits and drive to conditions.