Calgary added to snowfall warning as narrow band of snow parks over city

Winter weather conditions have returned to southern Alberta, with snow starting to fall in the Calgary area during the Wednesday morning commute.

Visibility and traction were compromised as mist turned to snow and moderate north winds blew in.

Yellow-level snowfall warnings were issued along the foothills Monday and expanded to include areas around Edmonton Tuesday.

In their alert for Banff National Park, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) noted, “A long period of snowfall with total amounts of 20 to 30 cm continues. Periods of light snow will continue today and then reintensify this evening.”

Snowfall totals in the higher elevations will likely be higher—possibly exceeding 30 centimetres.

The additional snow forecast for the Rockies contributed to Avalanche Canada elevating the danger rating in Banff National Park Tuesday.

As of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, that area was still listed as a high risk for slides.

Forecasters listed negative impacts to travel among the risks in their snowfall warning: “Travel will likely be challenging. Visibility will likely be reduced at times. Road closures are possible.”

By Wednesday morning, ECCC added yellow-level freezing drizzle advisories for areas east and north of Calgary.

The national weather agency explained, “Freezing drizzle is occurring and will continue into the morning. Fog is also causing reduced visibility in some areas. Roads, walkways, and other surfaces will likely become icy and slippery.”

By 7:30 a.m., ice appeared to be accruing on the 511 Alberta cameras north of Red Deer, and by 9 a.m., visibility was compromised south and east of Calgary.

That advisory was dropped by 10:30 a.m. Wednesday but left road conditions in poor shape.

Falling snow and blowing snow added to the challenges with some ice forming on surfaces across the region.

By 10:15 a.m., Calgary was added to the yellow-level snowfall warning, with ECCC explaining, “A band of heavy snow lies from Bow Valley, through Northern Calgary, to Dalroy. The band is nearly stationary and dropping snow at rates near 3 cm / hour. In some locations in Northern Calgary, local snowfall amounts will be in the 10- to 15-centimetre range this morning.”

Snowfall totals will be variable across the city, but overall the snow should start to ease throughout the day.

Temperatures will remain cooler Wednesday and Thursday, with highs not expected to make it above freezing.

Daytime highs will jump by 12 degrees from Thursday to Friday and sit around seasonal for the start of the weekend—which will help to melt any fresh snow.

The next chance of precipitation in Calgary will be Sunday.