LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. –

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a snowfall warning for Lethbridge and parts of southern Alberta, with about 20 to 30 centimeters of snow expected by Sunday.

Snow began falling in southern Alberta Friday morning before spreading northward throughout the day.

City crews were sanding the streets before the weather system intervened.

“We have 12 plows per shift and the staff that drives them – the staff works 24/7,” said Juliane Ruck, director of transportation operations for the City of Lethbridge.

“We plow and maintain the main roads – the arterial roads – like Whoop-Up Drive, Scenic Drive and Mayor Magrath first, and once we’re done with those, we move on to priority roads two and three. »

But a heavy snowfall can pose problems not only for drivers: Lethbridge’s cold weather shelters are also starting to see increased demand.

“As soon as it started getting colder earlier this week, we started seeing more people overnight, especially,” said Starly Brave Rick, welfare shelter and unit coordinator Stabilization Center in Lethbridge.

“Now that it snows during the day, we have more people inside during the day.”

Travel to and from locations can be difficult, with deep snow drifts often hiding ice, posing tripping hazards and reducing traction for people walking, including the vulnerable population.

“In most cases, you think -15°C is not that bad for a short walk from warm place to warm place,” said Cameron Kissick, director of operations for the Streets Alive mission.

“That’s not the case after one, two or three hours of driving on the street, and frostbite occurs so early. So it can be a real problem if people don’t have the right clothing for the weather conditions.”

Streets Alive has started to see an increase in people coming out to stay warm as temperatures continue to drop.

The City of Lethbridge is prepared to open warming centers this winter, but only if an extreme cold warning is issued when temperatures reach 40°C.

In the meantime, the shelter and Streets Alive are actively collecting warm clothing for those in need.

“Gloves are always a top priority,” Kissick said. “Hand warmers are also great to have with good weather-appropriate clothing, jackets and shoes.”

The snow blast will begin to ease and gradually end overnight Sunday morning, according to ECCC.

The ski slopes benefit

While many dread the end of a mild fall and the first snowfall, others couldn’t be more excited.

Preparations continue at Castle Mountain Resort, with skiers and riders ready to hit the slopes in two weeks.

Although the mild fall weather caused some concerns about opening day, last week’s snowfall put the schedule back on track.

The resort has already seen more than 100 centimeters of snow fall, with more predicted and crews actively making snow.

“Despite the nice weather and good weather, there is still a lot of work to be done here in the next few weeks before we can open the doors,” said Cole Fawcett, director of sales and marketing at Castle Mountain.

“Our permanent staff has been there from the start, the seasonal workers arrive, the training takes place, there is a real buzz in the station. Really good energy, and certainly seeing those snowfalls early in the season or pre-season if you will, that contributes greatly to that energy as well.

Castle Mountain will open for the season on December 6, Fernie Alpine Resort will open on November 29, Pass PowderKeg ski area in Blairmore will welcome skiers on November 30 and lifts will operate at Kimberley Alpine Resort from December 13.