Up to 40 cm of snow expected on Coquihalla Highway this weekend

The Coquihalla Highway is seen in this March 20, 2025, image from a DriveBC webcam. (DriveBC)

Environment Canada is warning drivers to take extra caution on the Coquihalla Highway this weekend, as the agency says up to 40 centimetres of snow could fall on the major route by Saturday night.

A “moist frontal system” will bring continuous snow to the Coquihalla Summit area starting Friday evening, comprising of an estimated 15 centimetres Friday night, 10 to 15 during the day Saturday and another five to 10 that night before it eases, according to a snowfall warning.

“Travel will likely be challenging. Visibility will likely be reduced at times,” the alert reads. “Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.”

The agency asked anyone driving on the route between Hope and Merritt to plan for extra travel time, adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains.

Another snowfall warning is in effect for Highway 1 between Sicamous and Revelstoke, where forecasters predict 15 to 20 centimetres to fall by Saturday morning.