Alex Fraser bridge could close if storm conditions too severe, officials warn

The Early Edition | CBC News | Posted: December 8, 2016 4:41 PM | Last Updated: December 8, 2016

Snowstorm expected to hit West Coast tonight

Image | Port Mann ice bomb

Caption: Falling slush from the Port Mann Bridge hit the car Dave Strobel was in on Dec. 5, 2016. (Dave Strobel)

The provincial Ministry of Transport is warning commuters the Alex Fraser bridge could close if driving conditions become too hazardous, with a snowfall warning in effect for Metro Vancouver.

Snow earlier this week made crossing the bridge dangerous, as chunks of ice fell from the peaks onto vehicles below, resulting in dozens of investigations launched by ICBC.

The B.C. Ministry of Transport said in a written statement it will be monitoring conditions on the Alex Fraser closely, and could close it for safety reasons if a storm expected Thursday night becomes too severe.

The Ministry of Transport said it is also taking action to keep the Port Mann bridge from closing.

Closure updates can be found DriveBC's twitter account.

Cities have salt despite shortage

Meanwhile, renewed preparations for the second snap of winter weather are underway in municipalities across the South Coast.

Cities such as North Vancouver and Burnaby say their snow management equipment is ready, and their roads are salted in preparation for the snow.

That, despite what appears to be a shortage of salt and Ice Melt in stores.

"We've stocked all of our salt inventory in advance of the event," City of Burnaby manager of public works Brian Carter told the CBC's The Early Edition.

"We've had all our crews out overnight preparing all of our roads, salting them in advance."

Elevated avalanche risk

Meanwhile, Lower Mainland residents at higher elevations — as well as anyone planning to hit the slopes in the near future — should be aware of heightened avalanche risks.

At the treeline, the danger of an avalanche is currently rated 'moderate,' while above at the alpine level, the danger is rated 'considerable.'

Both those ratings are expected to rise to 'high' tomorrow, while the risk below the treeline — the region closest to the majority of Lower Mainland residents — is expected to rise to 'moderate.'