Full Breakdown
Spring Snowstorm Cripples Alberta Highways
4/25/2026, 11:02:26 AM
Spring Snowstorm Cripples Alberta Highways
On Friday a spring snowstorm dumped up to two feet of snow, produced 90 km/h gusts and whiteout conditions. The RCMP closed Highway 63 northbound near Fort McMurray, Highway 881, and sections of Highway 21 and Highway 16 east of Edmonton, imposing a tow ban.
Data & Statistics
RCMP surveys estimated about 300 vehicles stranded. Snowdrifts of two to three feet covered the roads; drifts on Highway 63 reached 60 cm. Wind gusts peaked at 90 km/h in Calgary, prompting the Expo parade cancellation. Police logged 16 collisions in Saskatoon and minor crashes on Highway 21.
Impact on Travel and Communities
Closures halted freight and passenger traffic between Fort McMurray and Edmonton, stranding motorists up to 12 hours. RCMP crews delivered food, water, fuel and medicine; six supply buses went to the Wood Buffalo region. Power outages hit First Nations in Manitoba; school bus routes in northern Saskatchewan were cancelled, and Calgary Expo parade moved indoors. Residents shared food and rides via Facebook groups.
Official Statements & Responses
Cpl. Teri-Ann Bakker reported that the RCMP received dozens of calls from stranded motorists. Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said the priority shifted to ensuring people’s safety. Sabrina Clayton said the RCMP was planning to deploy plows and tow trucks to move people. Mayor Sandy Bowman confirmed six buses were dispatched. Brian Proctor of Environment Canada noted that heavy snowfall would benefit the upcoming forest fire season.
On-the-Ground Reports
Motorist Judith Iwaszkiw described a “kilometre-long line of vehicles” stuck in whiteout conditions. Bryan Routhier recounted a “jack-knife trailer” that triggered a chain-reaction crash. Drivers in Facebook groups coordinated food sharing, vehicle pooling and urged others to limit engine idling to 15 minutes to avoid carbon-monoxide buildup.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The RCMP’s estimate of 300 stranded vehicles differs from driver accounts mentioning “at least 50 vehicles” in a single line. The exact number of people affected remains unknown because many vehicles were in ditches or snowbanks, preventing accurate headcounts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’ve had dozens of calls from stranded motorists,” — Teri-Ann Bakker, RCMP
- “We are currently working on a plan to get the plows to where they need to be and the tow trucks in there to get people moving again,” — Sabrina Clayton, RCMP
- “I think we’re all tired of winter.” — Amanda Flasch, city manager, Meadow Lake
- “Heavy snowfall in the boreal forest will help us moving forward in a better way (as we enter) forest fire season,” — Brian Proctor, Environment Canada
Outlook
Environment Canada forecasts improving conditions after Sunday, with daytime highs of 5 °C on Monday and 10 °C on Tuesday. Road crews will continue snow-removal, and authorities advise motorists to postpone non-essential travel until highways are cleared.
