It is the highest point on the highway between the cities of Hope and Merritt. Chance of snow 60%. Lane closures and short duration traffic stoppages will be in effect periodically. A few snow showers developing later in the day. Initial descent is posted at 8% but it's really more than that. British Columbia storm: Highway snaps in half, Vancouver cut off as [citation needed] As a result of the washout events, the Canadian Forces Cormorant helicopters completed rescue evacuations of stranded motorists on the highway. Coquihalla Lakes N Hwy 5, 61km south of Merritt, looking to the north. Job Listing Rules. The pass is named Kw'ikw'iya:la in the Halq'emeylem language used by the Stl, which means "stingy container" and refers specifically to a fishing rock near the mouth of what is now known as the Coquihalla River. Sign up to receive Driving.ca's Blind-Spot Monitor newsletter on Wednesdays and Saturdays. C in cold winter weather. It may be an avalanche that closes the road or a multi-vehicle pileup, or simply waist-deep snow that paralyzes everything on wheels. 3-7cm of snow expected. A big part of the show takes place along the Coquihalla Highway, a 201-mile stretch of road that . Vehicle recovery between Inks Lake Rd and Chuwhels Mountain Rd for 4.0 km (13 to 9 km south of Kamloops). Youve got to be a survivalist, he says. Highway 5, in both directions. where is the smasher on the coquihalla. Compact snow. Coquihalla Box Canyon North Hwy 5, near Box Canyon Chain-up Area, looking north. Lane Closure. ), Collisions (when a vehicle crashes into something) and the subsequent investigation and clean up, BC day long weekend (29,114 on August 1, 2014), Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 10,569, 3.3 million Annual VKT/km (VKT/km represents the annual vehicle kilometres travelled, divided by the length of the roadway), Busiest traffic month: August (based on 2012 stats), The Coquihalla has twice or more the volume of traffic compared to any other highway that crosses a mountain path in BC (based on 2012 stats). Winds light and variable. The key phrase being: know before you go. Coquihalla Highway is an extreme freeway located in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. [2] After 10 years in office, Waterland retired from the Cabinet in 1986 a few months after seeing this part of the project through to its completion. thecanadaweather.com Canada British Columbia Coquihalla. Crews will have cleared the road, and youll be fresh., Davis goes on to say that the weather on the Coq, and in fact all mountain roads, can change in 20 minutes or less, and all the best forecasts can be wrong you just dont know.. Larson Hill S Hwy 5 at Larson Hill, 36 km south of Merritt, looking to the south. Coquihalla conditions today. This will be a much more convenient route for people who need to travel between the Lower Mainland and the Interior, and is another significant milestone in the province's recovery from the devastating storms. Check Coquihalla conditions. Snowfall of 2-3cm. The current Highway 5 is not the first highway in B.C. After exiting Merritt the highway climbs up a long steep hill towards another highpoint the Surrey Lake Summit It pass through three interchanges along this section. I was hoping you could either confirm or deny this. We are looking into this for you. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Coquihalla Highway - Hope to Merritt, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Weather Chance of snow 50%. Low -7C. https://www.tranbc.ca/2013/01/09/highway-thru-hell-the-complete-tranbc-interview-series/, why is a portion of the highway called the smasher?. minor construction | last updated Fri Mar 3 at 8:05 PM PST. 13 km (8 mi) north of the snow shed, after passing through another interchange and the 1244 m (4,147 ft) Coquihalla Pass, Highway 5 reaches the former toll booth; it was the only highway in British Columbia to have tolls. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
, BC Mountain Summit Weather and Road Condition Cameras, Coquihalla Summit (el. Highway Thru Hell | Episode 4 Wreck Analysis - VidoEmo Unidentified Object Falls From Sky in India, Massive Balloon Explodes in Severe Weather, Watch: Sea Lions Chase Toy Cars at St. Louis Zoo, Violent Hailstorm Rips Siding off Homes in Canada, Bahamas Bridge the Narrowest Place on Earth, Dont Miss Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse This Week, Smoke from Australia Wildfires Floated Higher than Ever Before, Dozens of Intelligent Civilizations in Milky Way, Study Says, China to Build Massive Panda Theme Park in Chengdu, Giant Sculpture Signifies Health of Australias Great Barrier Reef, Explore Incredible South Africa Shipwreck, Russian City So Polluted Skies Turn Black, Residents Urged to Leave, Bubble Rings in Paradise Looks Like Ideal Vacation Activity, Powerful Flash Flooding Flips Car in India, Russian Diesel Spill Threatens Arctic Ocean, India Oil Field Fire Could Become Ecological Disaster, Hilarious Squirrel Rescue Goes Terribly Wrong, Clever Dog Finds a Way to Play Fetch by Himself, Building Collapses Into River in China Rainstorm, Radar Shows Ancient Roman City in Astonishing Detail, Green Turtles Mass Nesting in Australia Captured on Drone Video, Laundry Unexpected Source of Ocean Plastic, Funnel Cloud Forms Between Two Cities in El Salvador, Largest, Oldest Maya Monument Found in Mexico, Deadly Flooding Strikes Several Chinese Provinces, Latest Advisory: Cristobal Swirling Towards Gulf Coast, Rare June Flooding in Venice Is the Third Highest on Record, Cargo Ship Carrying Medical Supplies Loses Containers in Rough Seas, Very Good Dog Rescued From Norway Landslide Wreckage, Rivers of Oil Running Through the Arctic After Massive Spill, Cristobal Impacts: Death Toll Rises in Central America, Watch as Massive Landslide Sweeps Eight Houses into Sea in Northern Norway, Forest Loss in 2019 Equivalent to Emissions from 400 Million Cars, Looking for Pristine Air? Highway 5 continues east for 7 km (4 mi) concurrent with Highways 1 and 97 through Kamloops. Highways 97C and 5A share the 28 km (17 mi) long route between Aspen Grove and Lower Nicola, where Highway 5A diverges immediately east and Highway 8 begins. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. [7] Surveying commenced in 1973 and in 1979 the first construction contract was issued for 4.5km (2.8mi) section of highway between Nicolum Creek and Peers Creek near Hope; however, work progressed slowly until 1984 when Premier Bill Bennett announced that the project would be fast-tracked so it could be completed to coincide with Expo 86. It is very steep at both ends and although it is a modern highway, most truckers avoid traveling on it due to the extra gasoline expense that the steep inclines create. For highway rescuer Jamie Davis, those words of wisdom come from 10 years of pulling wrecks from gullies along the snowbound Highway Thru Hell, otherwise known as B.C.'s . Its an interesting stretch of highway that comes with its unique challenges but our district staff and maintenance contractors will continue to monitor the Coquihalla and keep you moving as efficiently and as safely as possible. The ascent is particularly steep after passing northbound through the Great Bear snow shed. (Submitted by Jeremiah Steberl) B.C.'s Coquihalla Highway could be . Highway 97C, in both directions. Coquihalla Highway - The Smasher - YouTube According to ICBC there were 32 fatal crashes between 2004 and 2013, and an estimated 400-500 accidents occur during the winter seasons. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. Winds light and variable. Snow can fall on high mountain passes in BC, such as the Coquihalla, well into the spring and occasionally into the summer. It's 7 kms from Hope (the Shakespearean name is reminiscent of the Kettle Valley Railway which used such names). [7] In order to offset the cost of fast-tracking construction, Phase 1 was made a toll highway, with a toll plaza constructed at the summit of Coquihalla Pass; was designed to accommodate 13 toll booths for 14 lanes of traffic. [11] Phase 2 between Merritt and Kamloops opened in September 1987, re-routing Highway 5, while Phase 3 was opened in October 1990 and designated as Highway 97C. Nighttime driving is the worst for this, and the most dangerous. Snow showers. There isnt actually a single number to answer the question, because freezing levels very so much in the mountains around the Coquihalla. The data and electronic links provided in this web site are for informational purposes only and bchighway.com disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of site content or linked information. Expect minor delays. A diamond interchange at Exit 336 provides an important turn off to Logan Lake on Highway 97D and Lac le Jeune. Coquihalla Summit - Hwy 5, about 7 km north of Zopkios Brake Check, looking south. Highway 97Cbegins near Trepanier, at a location on Highway 97 known as Drought Hill. How long will it take to drive the Coq at an easy sight seeing pace? Coquihalla Conditions Hwy 5 & Hwy 97C - British Columbia Highway News Although the Yellowhead Highway system is considered part of the Trans-Canada Highway network, Highway 5 is not represented with a Trans-Canada marker. Snow accumulations less than 2cm. Does an agency record statistics for the number of highway road closures per year? If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. Hi there Cass thanks for your question. Chance of snow 30%. Stay tuned. Scattered snow showers during the evening. Brace yourself winter is here. A welcome email is on its way. Nonetheless, anyone planning a winter road trip is advised to check with their provincial highway services for road and weather reports. According to St:l oral history, the skw'exweq (water babies, underwater people) who inhabit a pool close by the rock, would swim out and pull the salmon off the spears, allowing only certain fisherman to catch the salmon."[2]. Considerable clouds early. The Canadian docuseries, which premiered in 2012, follows the daily operations of tow truckers working in British Columbia. When can you count on there being no more snow on the Coq? Hes been the one constant along the hellish stretch of road that truckers rely upon, and as such hes seen it all more than once. It requires skill to drive. At high elevations it can sometimes get to be -30 deg. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. The section of Highway 97C east of Merritt is mostly freeway, with a speed limit of 110 km/h (68 mph) and between 4 and 6 lanes, and has very few exits along its route. [4], Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area is a provincial recreation area centred around Coquihalla Summit. Reinstate the toll to pay for highway maintenance; any $$ not used on the Coq. North of the Highway 8 junction, Highway 97C goes north for 42 km (26 mi) to Logan Lake, then northwest for 57 km (35 mi) to Ashcroft on the Canadian National Railway. High -1C. Snow showers. Winds S at 10 to 15 km/h. Periods of rain except periods of snow near the summit. Highway 5 begins south at the junction with Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) at uninhabited Othello, 7km (4mi) east of Hope (named after a nearby siding on the Kettle Valley Railway, which used many Shakespearean names). For highway rescuer Jamie Davis, those words of wisdom come from 10 years of pulling wrecks from gullies along the snowbound Highway Thru Hell, otherwise known as B.C.s infamous Highway 5, also named the Coquihalla. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. Established in 1986 and clocking in at a respectable 159 hectares, Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park is a truly magical place. Coquihalla Conditions for Hwy 5 Coquihalla highway & Hwy 97C Okanagan connector for today. Hourly weather forecast . A long steep 8%. social media users statistics 2019 's rural highways", "What You Need to Know About Winter Weather on the "Coq", "British Columbia's 12 deadliest highways", "Highway Thru Hell: tough, but Canadian-style tough", "Highways closed around B.C. Nov. 15, 2021. Please try again, 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. It was a mistake to take the toll off the Coquihalla hwy. Next update time Mon Mar 6. Becoming partly cloudy later. They chose to confront the Coq without a full tank, not realizing that idling a car for warmth hour after hour depletes an already dangerously low fuel tank. We recommend that you check DriveBC before you travel, specifically the webcams, to get an idea of snow levels along the route. There are some portions of the Coquihalla where cycling is prohibited. I was wondering if you had the information on the percent grade climbing up Surrey Lake Summit. Aspen Grove North Hwy 97C (Okanagan Connector), at Hwy 5A Junction, near Aspen Grove, looking north. Highway 97C travels on this freeway 82 km (51 mi) northwest to Aspen Grove, where it converges with Highway 5A. The small signs in the shape of old steam locomotives, The Coquihalla averages 1,350mm of precipitation of which 1,150mm falls as snow, The annual average peak snowpack (depth of snow on the ground) is 235cm at the summit, Average amount of winter abrasive used yearly: 40,000 m3, Average amount of anti-icing liquid used yearly: 3 million litres, During storm events, in addition to other equipment and snow plows VSA maintenance uses 3. That's a LOT of white stuff coming down. Highway 97C. The speed limit is 100km/h (62mph) for the most part except in towns, where it can drop to as low as 50km/h (31mph). Videos showing interesting road situations. Zopkios - Hwy 5, southbound at Zopkios Rest Area, near the Coquihalla Summit, looking northeast. We are looking into this for you. In spring, summer or fall, it's a breeze, but in winter there are at least 400-500 accidents and plenty of fatalities. Wow, is David Poile ever rolling out the red carpet for his GM successor Barry Trotz. Why we already paid for it plus some. I think that publishing the annual VKT would be more meaningful to the general public. Highland Valley Road Highway 97C, at Highland Valley Rd, about 61 km north of Merritt and 46 km south of Ashcroft, looking north. On November 14, 2021, a major storm in southern British Columbia damaged sections of the Coquihalla Highway and other routes in the area. Southbound travelers please use Britton creek rest Area exit 228. Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! Terms | 1,150mm is a measly 1 meter and 15 cm . 1244 m.) is a highway summit along the Coquihalla Highway in British Columbia, Canada. The Coquihalla is one of the most popular highway mountain passes in BC. The Coquihalla Highway starts south of the junction with Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) situated at the uninhabited region of Othello. minor road condition | last updated Sat Mar 4 at 6:45 AM PST. Downhill on Canada's Coquihalla Highway | Trucking Smart As we joked about the stupidity that plays out on Canadian roads day after day, our conversation took on a mournful note as Davis talked about the tragedies that also occur and how they could often be avoided. On December 20, 2021, the Coquihalla Highway was reopened to essential traffic, with non- essential traffic being diverted towards Highway 99. Interspersed among the chuckles and anecdotes, Davis imparted tremendous insight into what can go wrong when motorists are ill-prepared to take on Mother Nature in a battle that she usually wins. Unfortunately, we dont have this information. So dangerous and dramatic is the highway, Discovery Channel chose it as the basis of their gripping and exceptionally popular reality series Highway Thru Hell, which features the rescue work and heavy towing services of Jamie Davis and his 40 or so dedicated employees. Helmer Lake Highway 5, 24 km north of Merritt at Helmer Interchange, looking to the north. Thanks for your comment. In 1876 the Hope-Nicola Trail was built. Then partly to mostly cloudy overnight. This is one of the most amazing stretches of roads in North America. After separating from Highways 1 and 97, Highway 5 proceeds north for approximately 19km (12mi). Signup for our newsletter to get notified about our next ride. High around 0C. Occasional snow showers. [6], In the 1960s, the Merritt Board of Trade began lobbying the B.C. I would like to know, too. Also I read that Surrey Lake Summit was formerly known as Clapperton Creek Summit. If youre mired in the white stuff, so are rescue services, including ambulances, tow trucks and taxi cabs. The grade on the Snow Shed Hill between the Great Bear Snow Shed and Zopkios Brake Check is 8%. [3] Now free to drive, at the Coquihalla Lakes junction, the highway crosses from the Fraser Valley Regional District into the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. Do you have information to supply? Hope that this information is helpful. Why pay for it again? Variable clouds with snow showers. The round concrete blocks your referring too are at the widened breaks in the highway barriers where the Military used to pull off and set up and shoot up into the snow packed mountains for avalanche control. Thank you! Occasional snow showers. Touring the world with friends one mile and pub at a time; southlake carroll basketball. Snow showers. Edit your picks to remove vehicles if you want to add different ones. https://www.tranbc.ca/2012/11/01/5-things-to-learn-from-watching-highway-thru-hell/, https://www.tranbc.ca/2013/01/09/highway-thru-hell-the-complete-tranbc-interview-series/, https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/Pages/Statistics.aspx, https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/historical-drivebc-events, http://tranbc.ca/2016/03/24/what-its-like-to-watch-an-avalanche-from-a-helicopter/, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules, http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/driving/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains, B.C. I give my express consent authorizing TruckersReport and its. Utility work planned between Thunder Creek Bridge and Blue River Bridge for 13.5 km (Blue River). Winds E at 10 to 15 km/h. Watch for traffic control.