High River, Alberta — Residents are being urged to use caution near local lakes and when travelling on Highway 2 on January 28, 2026, after reports of unstable ice and hazardous driving conditions. Strong wind gusts and fluctuating temperatures have made ice thickness unpredictable at Emerson Lake and Sunshine Lake, while blowing snow is producing hazardous travel conditions toward Fort Macleod.
The Town of High River reports that ice on local bodies of water is inconsistent and may have weak spots despite mid‑winter conditions. Municipal ice‑monitoring guidance typically requires about 12 inches (30 cm) of clear, good‑quality ice before moving heavy maintenance equipment, and common safety guidance for foot traffic is to confirm at least 4–6 inches of solid ice before walking or skating on a surface.
On the roads, Alberta RCMP and local authorities are warning drivers that high winds — with forecasts and local reports of gusts as high as 60–90 km/h in some parts of the region — can produce whiteout conditions along the Highway 2 corridor, reducing visibility rapidly and allowing drifting snow to deposit across the pavement and create slick patches. Motorists are advised to avoid non‑essential travel during peak gust periods and to slow down, increase following distances, and use headlights.
Highway maintenance crews (the contracted operator for much of southern Alberta highway maintenance is Volker Stevin Highways) report deploying sand and salt and conducting patrols to reduce black ice and clear wind‑drifted snow near the High River flyover and the Highway 23 interchange. Travelers should check real‑time updates on road closures and conditions at 511 Alberta and consult the latest weather alerts from Environment Canada before travelling.
