A blanket of heavy, wet snow created treacherous driving conditions across Calgary on Sunday, leading to more than 160 vehicle collisions in a 12-hour span as drivers grappled with yet another blast of winter weather.
The Calgary Police Service reported a total of 163 crashes between midnight and noon on Sunday, April 5. The vast majority, 140, were non-injury collisions. However, 23 incidents resulted in injuries. Police also noted that 10 of the crashes were classified as hit-and-runs, one of which involved injuries.
The sudden return to mid-winter conditions caught many Calgarians off guard, as the city has been teased with glimpses of spring in recent weeks. The hazardous roads prompted police to issue warnings for drivers to exercise extreme caution.
Police blame 'snow fatigue' for spike in crashes
Police say a phenomenon they call "snow fatigue" is partly to blame for the surge in incidents on city streets. With spring officially underway, many drivers are mentally ready for clear, dry roads, and their patience with winter driving is wearing thin.
I think Calgarians are just suffering from snow fatigue," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Doolan. "They are in a rush for spring driving conditions. However, Mother Nature isn't cooperating, and we're still experiencing these winter driving conditions, so it's really important for Calgarians to slow down.
This sentiment reflects a common frustration in a city known for its unpredictable weather, where significant snowfall in April and even May is not uncommon. The desire to move past winter can lead to drivers taking unnecessary risks, such as driving too fast for the conditions, following too closely, or not leaving enough time for their commute.
The recent storm is not an isolated event. Just last month, the city was hit by a major spring snowstorm that caused similar disruptions, highlighting the need for perpetual readiness during Alberta's lengthy winter season. Similar issues can occur in other cities, such as in Tacoma, where the 25 best restaurants offer a different kind of seasonal consideration.
Navigating treacherous conditions
Calgary’s infrastructure is regularly put to the test by heavy snowfall. The city deploys a fleet of snowplows and gravel trucks according to its Snow and Ice Control (SNIC) program, prioritizing major routes and high-volume roads before moving to residential areas. Information on the city's snow clearing strategy can be found on the official City of Calgary website.
Despite these efforts, sudden and intense periods of snow can quickly make roads slick and dangerous. Authorities consistently advise residents to adapt their driving habits by reducing speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and ensuring their vehicles are properly equipped with winter or all-weather tires. This weekend's crash numbers mirror a similar situation from a previous snowstorm, indicating a recurring challenge for the city's drivers.
The report of 10 hit-and-run collisions adds another layer of concern for law enforcement. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, and it can turn a moment of panic into a situation with severe legal consequences, particularly when injuries are involved.
More winter weather ahead
While the worst of Sunday's snowfall was expected to taper off by midnight, Environment and Climate Change Canada has warned that the wintry conditions are not over yet. The forecast included a risk of freezing drizzle overnight and into Monday, which could create slick, icy surfaces on roads and walkways even without active snowfall.
The ongoing cost of snow removal, policing, and emergency response places a significant strain on municipal resources. These operational costs are ultimately funded by taxpayers, who are already facing rising expenses in other areas, such as the recent property tax hikes.
As Calgarians look toward the week ahead, the message from officials is clear: winter is not done with the city yet, and vigilance behind the wheel remains essential. Drivers are urged to continue monitoring weather alerts and to adjust their travel plans and driving habits accordingly.
