Snow and fog turn dangerous on Okanagan Connector over May long weekend Snow makes travel tough A rollover accident on Highway 97C — the Okanagan Connector — is serving as a stark reminder that mountain passes in the B.C. Interior can turn treacherous even in May. Dense fog and slippery conditions on the Connector contributed to at least one serious rollover over the long weekend, with a bystander stopping to help pull the driver from the wreck while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. The
driver was not seriously injured. “I’m just writing to say ‘Thank-You’ to all the people who stopped to see if they could help yesterday,” says Brandi Cryer. Cryer was not involved in the rollover, but she was one of the first people to come upon the incident on the Okanagan Connector on Sunday. Cryer posted to social media to warn other drivers about the changeable spring conditions in the high mountain passes. “Road conditions can be dangerous on this stretch of highway at many times
of the year,” Cryer says. The rollover is a timely warning for travellers who use the Okanagan Connector and the Coquihalla Highway each May long weekend, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Both routes are notorious for rapidly changing weather conditions, with snow, ice and fog common well into spring at higher elevations. Motorists heading into the mountains this time of year are urged to check road conditions before departing at DriveBC.ca, and Castanet, carry emergency supplies including flares, blankets and road
cones, and reduce speed in low visibility conditions. The B.C. Ministry of Transportation advises that winter tires or chains may still be required on mountain passes through the spring months. Winter tires are mandatory on most routes in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30.
Okanagan Connector, Highway 97C, rollover, dense fog, snow, May long weekend, DriveBC.ca, winter tires, chains, B.C. Ministry of Transportation