GRADERS CLEAR DEEP SNOW FROM PASSES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30206, 10 August 1963, Page 13

GRADERS CLEAR DEEP SNOW FROM PASSES

Graders worked all day yesterday clearing deep snow from the main highways over tire Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass. Both routes to the West Coast were open, but motorists were urged to take extreme care. The Automobile Association (Canterbury) warned drivers not to use the Arthur's Pass road after dark.

So deep was the snow on Porters Pass that graders could cut only a one-way track. Chains were essential and cars had to keep moving. The usual parking areas at the top of the pass were inaccessible. The Lewis Pass was not so seriously affected although in places there were 2ft banks of snow on the sides of the road. Motorists were advised to carry chains. The association urged drivers to take extreme care on the Main North road between Hawkswood and Oaro where frozen snow made chains essential.

Apart from a few brief flurries in the morning, there were no heavy falls of snow in the back country yesterday However, the weather office predicted another southerly change during the night with further snow to low levels.

After a fine sunny day in Christchurch, the sky clouded over about 7 p.m. and rain began to fall soon after. Although there were showers as late as 4 a.m. yesterday, there was a frost in the city of nine degrees which froze surface water, making road conditions hazardous. At Harewood, the frost was 13 degrees. The maximum temperature at the Botanic Gardens yesterday was 46 degrees, at 3 p.m.

The Post Office reported that all toll circuits to the West Coast and north were operating again last evening.