Black ice gets its name because you can’t see it. It’s a thin, clear layer of ice that takes on the colour of the road underneath, so the pavement just looks wet, or doesn’t look like anything at all.
It forms when there’s moisture on the road (melt, light rain, fog, even frost) and the surface drops to freezing. And the coldest part of the day is usually right around sunrise, so the morning commute is often the slickest drive of the day.
Where black ice hides
- Bridges and overpasses, including the river crossings into West Lethbridge
- Shaded stretches and the bottoms of hills
- Intersections, where car exhaust and stopping traffic polish the ice
- The coulees and low spots, where cold air settles overnight
Warning signs
- There was melt, rain or fog yesterday, and the night was clear and cold.
- The road looks wet, but there’s no spray coming off other vehicles’ tires.
- The outside temperature is near or just below 0°C.
What to do
- Leave a few minutes early and give yourself double the following distance.
- Brake and turn gently. Sudden moves are what start a skid.
- If you feel the vehicle slide, ease off the gas and steer where you want to go.
- Remember that main roads may be treated while side streets and parking lots are not.
Check the overnight low and the current temperature at westlethbridgeweather.com before you head out.
Related: Live conditions at West Lethbridge Weather · How to Read the Weather