The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in High Level, Alberta, issued a critical travel advisory on Christmas Day, urging drivers to avoid a section of Highway 35. The warning, published on December 25, 2025, at 1:14 PM EST, cites dangerous road conditions as the primary reason for the alert.
Specific Details of the Travel Advisory
The advisory specifically applies to Highway 35 between the towns of High Level and Manning. While the RCMP did not provide granular details on the exact nature of the poor conditions, such warnings are typically issued during Alberta winters due to factors like heavy snowfall, whiteout conditions, icy pavement, or reduced visibility. Motorists planning to use this northern Alberta corridor are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes or postpone non-essential travel until conditions improve and the advisory is lifted.
Context and Importance for Northern Alberta Travel
Highway 35 is a significant north-south route in Alberta, connecting several remote communities. A travel advisory of this nature, especially on a major holiday when people may be visiting family, has immediate repercussions for local and regional travel plans. The RCMP's primary goal is to prevent accidents and ensure public safety by keeping drivers off roads deemed unsafe for travel. Residents and travellers in the region should monitor official channels like the Alberta 511 service for real-time updates on road conditions and any potential closures.
What This Means for Drivers
Heeding this advisory is crucial for safety. Drivers who must travel in the region should exercise extreme caution, ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter driving with proper tires, and have an emergency kit. It is also advisable to inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time when driving in remote areas under adverse conditions.
The issuance of this warning on December 25 underscores the challenging and unpredictable nature of winter travel in northern Alberta, where weather can change rapidly and create serious hazards on the highways.
