Image: DriveBC / An undated photo of the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) between Hope and Merritt.

By Don Mitchell

Highway 5 Conditions

‘High snowfall amounts’ expected on Coquihalla Highway: Hope to Merritt

Nov 16, 2024 | 9:18 AM

HOPE – Environment Canada has issued a highway alert for the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt due to the likelihood that 10 to 15 cm of snow will accumulate on sections of the roadway.

Canada’s weather agency is advising drivers to prepare for reduced visibility on Highway 5 from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday morning.

“A Pacific frontal system is forecast to bring snow to the mountain passes,” the statement said. “Snow levels are forecast to rise overnight; however, they will remain below the pass summits.”

Meanwhile, parts of the Lower Mainland will experience heavy rain and strong winds for much of Saturday. Metro Vancouver, through to Langley, could receive as much as 40 mm of rain before the overnight hours.

Rain is not expected to be as heavy in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, with roughly 25 mm expected by midnight.

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As a precaution, the City of Abbotsford issued a public safety advisory suggesting residents keep children and pets away from stream banks and other waterways.

“Riverbanks that look stable can be eroded beneath the surface, causing unstable ground that could collapse,” the statement said.