Thanksgiving Snow Could Bring Icy Roads To Bow Valley

The Bow Valley could see its first significant snowfall of the season this Thanksgiving long weekend, with Environment Canada warning residents to prepare for winter driving conditions and potentially icy roads.

Between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow could fall across parts of the region between Friday and Sunday, including Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Kananaskis.

Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said the amount of snow that accumulates will depend partly on how quickly temperatures fall.

"When the snow first starts out, it's still going to be a little bit warm and the ground itself is still a little bit warm," Lang told Bow Valley Insider.

"So often the first stuff melts or it's mixed with rain and takes a while to change over to snow."

Despite that uncertainty, Lang said residents should be ready for a noticeable change in conditions.

"Folks should be prepared for winter-like conditions this weekend through those areas."

Where Will The Most Snow Fall?

While snowfall is expected throughout the Bow Valley, some communities could see considerably more than others.

Lang said areas closer to Kananaskis and the eastern slopes of the Rockies are more likely to experience heavier accumulation because of how the approaching weather system interacts with the mountains.

The system is expected to produce what's known as upslope snowfall, which happens when winds push moist air toward the mountains, forcing it upward and increasing precipitation.

"When you force winds up the mountains, they tend to enhance snowfall," Lang explained.

She said Kananaskis and areas around Bow Valley Provincial Park could receive some of the highest snowfall totals locally.

"You'll still get some Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, you'll still get snow in there, but probably not as much as you will in those front ranges."

However, Lang cautioned that local conditions can be difficult to predict, meaning snowfall amounts could vary considerably between communities.

Environment Canada's special weather statement, issued Thursday afternoon, also forecasts accumulating snow across much of Alberta on Saturday, with 10 to 25 centimetres possible in areas including Hinton, Nordegg, Grande Cache and Rocky Mountain House.

Snow is expected to taper off from north to south on Sunday.

What Does This Mean For Bow Valley Roads?

With Thanksgiving bringing increased holiday travel, Environment Canada is urging drivers to prepare for rapidly changing road conditions.

Lang said the first snowfall of the season can be particularly challenging because motorists may not yet be accustomed to winter driving.

"It is sort of the first snow of the year. So it often catches people off guard," she said.

"Plus we're coming into the Thanksgiving Day weekend, which is a big travel day as well."

Drivers travelling along the Trans-Canada Highway and other mountain routes should be prepared for snow, reduced traction and potentially icy surfaces.

Lang said conditions can vary significantly between communities, even over relatively short distances.

"If they're coming anywhere that near the front ranges, in through the mountains, they should be prepared for winter conditions."

That preparation includes having winter tires, carrying an emergency kit and checking highway conditions before leaving.

"If it's nice somewhere else, it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be nice through the mountains," Lang said.

"So folks should absolutely be prepared for that."

Icy Roads Could Become A Bigger Concern Saturday

While snowfall totals are still uncertain, Lang identified another potential hazard for drivers: falling temperatures could cause moisture already on the roads to freeze.

Temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing later Saturday, creating the possibility of icy driving conditions after rain or melting snow.

"It is a risk because the temperature is forecast to fall below freezing probably later in the day on Saturday," Lang said.

"So it won't be freezing rain, it'll be the liquid on the roads that freezes."

That distinction is important. Rather than freezing rain falling from the sky, moisture already sitting on road surfaces could turn to ice as temperatures drop.

Lang warned that continued snowfall could make those conditions progressively worse.

"Especially if it's still snowing, it'll get icier and icier and icier as that builds up."

For Bow Valley residents travelling between communities or heading out of the mountains for Thanksgiving, the changing conditions could make checking road reports particularly important.

How This Snowfall Compares To Previous Years

As for the timing of the season’s first snowfall, Lang said the Bow Valley is actually a little overdue, with snow typically arriving in late September or early October.

The first snowfall typically arrives in the mountain front ranges in late September or early October, although that snow doesn't necessarily remain on the ground.

"It's actually a little bit late, especially for the front ranges," she said.

"It's not the first snowfall that stays, but it's usually ... the time that the first snowfall comes."

Lang acknowledged that the arrival of winter can still catch people by surprise.

"I think we all live in denial about when the snow is coming," she said.

"We're on time for, if not overdue for snow."

How To Stay Safe

With the first accumulating snow expected to coincide with Thanksgiving travel, Environment Canada is encouraging residents to take a few precautions before heading out.

Drivers should check 511 Alberta for current road conditions, ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter travel and carry an emergency kit.

Lang said the biggest message is to be aware of how quickly mountain weather can change, even when conditions appear favourable before departure.

"Even though it's a beautiful sunny day outside right now, things change quickly as we know in Alberta," she said.

She also encouraged drivers to get back into the habit of checking highway conditions before travelling, particularly when heading into the mountains.

"People just have to remember that we are coming into the winter season and just be prepared for it."

And while the first snow may not be welcome news for everyone, Lang said preparation can make a significant difference.

"None of us want to do that, but if you're prepared it goes a lot better."

Residents can follow the latest forecasts and weather alerts through Environment and Climate Change Canada.