Weathernetwork says 10-20 cm alpine snow may hit B.C. mountains

weathernetwork says mid-May snow chances are spreading across Canada this week as cold air pushes south with active weather systems. The May long weekend could bring an unseasonable dose of snow, with the heaviest accumulation expected in British Columbia's mountains.

Ten to 20 cm of alpine snow could fall across the Coastal, Kootenay and Rocky Mountains, while freezing levels drop to 1500 metres on Thursday and lower by Friday. Wet snow and rain mixes may affect mountain passes, even though chains are no longer required.

Western Newfoundland and Labrador

Special weather statements are in effect in western Newfoundland and southern Labrador, where colder air behind a rainy system may generate snow Wednesday morning. The same week also carries snow chances in several other provinces, extending the late-season pattern beyond the Atlantic region.

Prairies and Alberta Rockies

A similar cooldown is expected across the Prairies. Rainfall is forecast there on Thursday, and rain may transition to snow in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan by Friday morning.

Freezing levels in Alberta's Rockies may hover near 2000 metres, with late-week flurries possible near Jasper and Banff. Additional snow is also possible over the weekend near those two places, while cold temperatures could bring flurries to parts of central Saskatchewan and Alberta by Saturday.

Weekend Travel Conditions

For people crossing mountain passes or heading through northern stretches of Alberta and Saskatchewan, the main change is a shift from rain to snow in places that are usually moving toward spring conditions. The most direct planning point is to watch elevation, since the snow line drops through the week and the mix can vary quickly at higher routes.