BOW VALLEY – Spray Lakes Road in Canmore is closed due to potential avalanche conditions and there is a planned closure of the Trans-Canada Highway between Field and the Alberta-B.C. border Saturday night (Dec. 21).
An Environment Canada snowfall warning remains in effect for Canmore, Kananaskis Country, Banff and Lake Louise and significant snowfall fell overnight Friday (Dec. 20) throughout the region.
The forecast is calling for total amounts of 60 to 80 centimetres by Sunday morning (Dec. 22) with the heaviest snowfall expected south of the Saskatchewan River Crossing to the western edge of the foothills.
Snowfall with total amounts of 60 to 80 cm is expected by Sunday morning, when it is expected to taper off.
"While total amounts will vary across the region, localized amounts up to 1 m (100 cm) are possible," states the Environment Canada warning.
"Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays. Take frequent breaks and avoid strain when clearing snow. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone."
According to DriveBC, avalanche work is planned between the Field Travel Alberta Visitor Centre and the provincial border – a distance of 16.2 kilometres from 10-11 p.m. Saturday night.
In Kananaskis Country, Highway 742 or Spray Lakes Road is closed until further notice due to avalanche risk. The closure extends from the north gate at Canmore Hill to Engadine Lodge.
Go to Environment Canada to monitor alerts and forecasts, and email [email protected] or tweet #ABstorm with reports of severe weather.
Go to DriveBC or Alberta 511 for up-to-date road conditions.
