A pair of weather warnings are in effect for Prince George and its surrounding areas.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Highway 97, while Avalanche Canada has placed an eastern province-wide warning that includes the mountains in the North Rockies.
Between 10 and 20 cm of snow is expected for Pine Pass, turning into heavy overnight and into Thursday morning (Dec. 24).
A frontal system is expected to intensify, and the national service is once again asking commuters to adjust their driving habits as conditions could become hazardous on a moment's notice.
Out east, the avalanche warning is set to take effect until Sunday (Dec. 27) as snowpacks between 60 and 100 cm could weaken below the surface this weekend.
"With indoor gatherings restricted by the pandemic, we recognize many of us will want to spend time outdoors in our beautiful backcountry over the holidays," explains Forecast Program Supervisor James Floyer in a statement.
"People must be aware that even though the weather has settled, dangerous avalanche conditions remain throughout much of western Canada. There is a serious potential for large, human-triggered avalanches at this time."
Mountains in the Cariboos and South Rockies are also listed under the special alert.
Officials are encouraging residents who intend to visit the backcountry to avoid going outside ski-area boundaries, to make conservative terrain choices and stick to low-angle or densely forested slopes.
