One of the things that surprises newcomers to southern Alberta is a whiteout with no snow falling.
When strong wind blows across open fields covered in loose, dry snow, it lifts the snow off the ground and carries it along. Close to the surface it can be thick enough to drop visibility to almost nothing, while the sky overhead is clear and sunny. Forecasters call it blowing snow, and when it’s bad and widespread, a ground blizzard.
When to expect it
- A day or two after a fresh snowfall of dry, powdery snow
- Wind gusting over about 40 km/h, especially from the west or north
- Open stretches of highway with fields on both sides: Highway 3, Highway 4 south to Coutts, Highway 5 and the county roads
- Cold days, when the snow stays light and loose
Wet snow and old crusted snow don’t blow much. Fresh cold powder does.
What to do
- Check 511 Alberta before driving out of town. It shows closures and highway cameras.
- Slow down well before you reach a blowing section. Visibility can go from fine to zero in a few seconds.
- Use low beams, and never stop in a driving lane.
- If you have to stop, pull as far off the road as you can and turn on your hazard lights.
- Keep a winter kit in the vehicle (see Preparedness).
Radar won’t show blowing snow at all, because it happens right at the ground. Watch the wind gusts live at West Lethbridge Weather.
Was this page helpful?