Snow creates tricky highway conditions across central, southern Saskatchewan

A major snowfall in central and southern Saskatchewan has left many of the province’s highways in rough shape.

The provincial Highway Hotline was recommending against travel on most of the highways in the central and southern region of Saskatchewan on Thursday morning, with many of the routes around Regina completely closed.

Snow creates tricky highway conditions across central and southern Saskatchewan

The City of Regina’s Director of Roadways and Transportation, Chris Warren, said on the Greg Morgan Morning Show that they have around 50 pieces of equipment out.

“That’ll be around 24 to 26 graders, city contractors, and ourselves, as well as front-end loaders, sidewalk machines, or plow trucks.”

He said crews are out cycling the major roads in the city, emergency routes, and perimeter roads nonstop.

“Those guys are out all night doing that work tirelessly, and we’re hitting up all of our major roads, like Albert Street and Broad Street and Sask Drive and Lewvan, so they are very busy, and they work around the clock.”

Warren said they see about 80 per cent compliance from people moving their vehicles off snow routes.

“We are seeing some really good stuff there, but those vehicles that are sitting there and parked, when we implement those snow routes, they do get ticketed.”

Meanwhile, Warren said as of the morning of Thursday, Feb. 6, it is not clear if there will be a full residential plow.

A full residential plow is triggered in Regina when there are 15 centimetres — or six inches — of snowfall in a single snow event.

“We’re doing some of our field measurements and observations and working with our partners at Environment Canada to just collect from that data, and if we get that 15-centimetre trigger — once that’s confirmed — then the plan would be that we move into a residential neighbourhood and do a residential plow.”

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A blowing snow advisory from Environment Canada remained in effect on Thursday morning for Regina and large parts of southern Saskatchewan, leading to even trickier conditions for drivers.

The Saskatchewan Highway Hotline was recommending against travel on many routes in central and southern Saskatchewan on Thursday morning, indicated in blue. Red indicates closures. (Highway Hotline/Screenshot)

“Poor visibility in snow and blowing snow is expected or occurring in some locations,” the weather service said in a statement.

“Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility in some locations. Visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero.”

Environment Canada said the winds will gradually taper off, with conditions expected to improve this afternoon.

“After another heavy snowfall overnight, Saskatchewan RCMP continue to receive reports of weather-related incidents throughout central and southern Saskatchewan,” the Saskatchewan RCMP said in a statement.

“Drifting and blowing snow is expected to continue throughout the day, hindering road conditions and visibility. If poor weather or road conditions exist or are forecasted in your area, consider delaying travel if possible.”

Mounties in Saskatchewan have been asking drivers to use plenty of caution on snow-covered roads after seeing a large jump in fatal crashes in the first month of 2025. According to the RCMP, poor weather conditions were a factor in five out of the eight fatal crashes Mounties responded to from January 1-29.

The City of Regina has declared snow routes, meaning parking along snow routes is prohibited from 6 a.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. on Friday.

“This parking ban allows crews to plow the roads from curb to curb, improving traffic flow along the busy roadways. It will also help ensure roads are passable for emergency response vehicles,” the city explained in a statement.

“Blue signs with a white snowflake identify the snow routes.”

Parking along snow routes in Regina will not be permitted between 6 a.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday. (980 CJME file photo)

Any vehicles parked on snow routes during the 24-hour period will be ticketed and could be towed to an adjacent block in order to allow plows to complete their work.

In Saskatoon, city crews and contractors are working to clear streets according to a priority system, with major routes like Circle Drive, Idylwyld and College Drive to be cleared first, followed by double-lane streets, then neighbourhood routes.

The city said crews have postponed snow removal to focus on clearing the fresh snowfall, and all the city’s priority streets are expected to be cleared within 72 hours.

Twelve sanders, 26 graders and seven plows will be working in Saskatoon on Thursday, the city noted.

“Residents are urged to use caution and be prepared for slippery roads, snow ridges, and potentially limited visibility,” the City of Saskatoon said in a statement.

“Watch for blue and amber flashing lights on snow maintenance equipment and give operators plenty of space to work.”

The latest information on the weather alerts can be found on Environment Canada’s website. Current highway conditions can be found through Saskatchewan’s Highway Hotline.