After several years of minimal snow pack, the Northwest got hammered last weekend.
Now I won’t lie, I love the snow and I was so excited to see such a big dump in 24 hours. However, there are many factors that make large snowfalls and extreme winter weather very dangerous.
Avalanche experts are saying this is one of the most potentially deadly snow packs we have had in years. They say it is about once in 30 years you see this kind of potential hazard with heavy snow pack and weather conditions. So with that said, be aware and play with care in the mountains for the rest of the year.
As well, expect delays or road closures in relation to high avalanche areas too. Which brings me to the highways and driving aspect. While I appreciate how much it snowed in a short period of time, I was surprised how many people were driving around with snow and ice caked windows. In fact, the majority of cars I saw had at least the back window and side windows almost completely covered. I appreciate the fact it is hard to keep up with the falling snow but safety in every aspect is a huge factor when the roads are already in bad shape.
Clean windows aren’t the only thing, according to Prince George RCMP. The majority of accidents last weekend were caused because drivers tail lights weren’t visible so other drivers couldn’t see when someone was braking or turning. I think it is a safe bet that people who don’t clean their windows properly, don’t do their tail lights either but there is another factor at play here. When there is tons of snow on the road, it only takes about 15 minutes for your tail lights to become packed with snow as the negative pressure behind the vehicle causes snow to be drawn to the back almost instantly. This doesn’t mean that drivers should pull over every 15 minutes and clean their lights but remembering to do it every time you stop helps.
Yet, I must admit that I truly feel that there is another side to this. Many newer vehicles have a light now on their back windows. A few of them even have heat cables running through them which keeps them virtually clear at all times. This is a great asset and dramatically improves safety in many ways and I would even go so far as to say that these lights should be mandatory in all vehicles manufactured. I once read a great statement about safe driving. Engineer it right, educate right, enforce it and evaluate it.
So in closing, I hope if nothing else drivers will take a few extra minutes to clean their lights and windows, car companies will manufacture safer vehicles and people who play in the back country will take extra precautions and play it safe for the rest of the season.