Environment Canada Reminds Canadians to Consult High-Elevation Bulletin when Travelling through British Columbia's Mountains

VANCOUVER, Dec. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Environment Canada Meteorologists, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday travel season, briefed media on the weather tools and alerts Canadians can use to travel safely this winter.

Meteorologists encouraged travellers to consult the High-Elevation Travelers Bulletin and Special Weather Statements before going through British Columbia's mountains. Both tools are available on Environment Canada's weather office website (www.weatheroffice.gc.ca).

"Many Canadians may not be aware that Environment Canada produces forecasts and Special Weather Statements for the mountain passes of British Columbia," said David Jones, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist for Environment Canada. "This is another key tool Canadians can use to travel as safely as possible."

The High-Elevation Travelers Bulletin provides weather forecasts for British Columbia's mountain highways and passes. When severe winter weather is expected in the mountains—heavy snowfall, for example—a Special Weather Statement for the highway passes is issued.

The mountain region of British Columbia. is known for challenging winter weather conditions. Last winter, the Hope—Kamloops section of the Coquihalla Highway alone experienced 80 days with snowfalls greater than 5 centimetres.

More information about Environment Canada's weather alerts, along with the causes, characteristics and special impacts of winter weather, is available at www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather.

SOURCE: Environment Canada

Media Relations
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