In case you haven’t peered out the window this morning, a winter storm warning is in effect for Whistler, with 30 centimetres of snow expected to fall by this evening.
Environment Canada issued the alert in the early hours of Tuesday, Jan. 7, saying “hazardous winter conditions" are expected. It advised against non-essential travel until conditions improve and urged “extra care” when walking or driving in affected areas. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in the heavy snow.
The snow is forecast to continue this morning before easing in the afternoon.
DriveBC is reporting a vehicle incident between Alice Lake Road and Cheekye Forest Service Road in Squamish, resulting in the closure of the right lane. It is also warning of slush and slippery sections between Clarke Drive and Autumn Drive between Squamish and Whistler.
As of 7:30 a.m., Whistler Transit has suspended service into Emerald Estates until further notice. Riders are advised to catch their bus on Highway 99 instead. All Whistler Transit users should allow for extra travel time today as well.
At press time, Whistler Blackcomb had delayed opening Whistler Mountain due to avalanche control, and the 7th Heaven Express is also closed today due to the conditions.
The avalanche rating for the Sea to Sky remains high for the alpine, treeline and below-treeline areas, and travel through backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended by Avalanche Canada.
Check back with drivebc.ca for road conditions, and weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html for updated weather alerts. Whistler Transit also posts service updates frequently on its Twitter page.
