Environment Canada issues heavy snowfall warning for Kootenays

Photo: DriveBC

Kootenay Pass Hwy 3, Salmo Creston Highway Summit, looking east.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.

Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for Highway 3 - Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass. The Pass remains closed as of Tuesday afternoon, now hazardous winter conditions are expected right through until Wednesday morning.

Heavy snow will continue today and tonight giving 30 to 50 cm.

Total accumulations near 70 cm is likely by Wednesday morning. Snow will ease Wednesday morning as the system exits the province.

Travel is not recommended. Rapidly accumulating snow and drifting snow will make travel very difficult. Poor weather conditions are likely to contribute to long-lasting transportation delays. Expect road closures as avalanches are possible.

UPDATE 7:58 a.m.

DriveBC indicates that Highway 3 is now closed in both directions at the Kootenay Pass due to high avalanche hazard in that region.  There is an alternate route available via Highway 3A, Kootenay Lake Ferry. No estimated time of opening. DriveBC indicates the next update won't be until noon.

ORIGINAL 7:35 a.m.

Environment Canada's snowfall warning has ended for Kelowna but remains in effect for Vernon Tuesday morning.

The Pacific frontal system that brought as much as 25 cm's to the Okanagan is expected to give a further 5 cm of snow today. Snow will change to a few rain showers this afternoon as warmer air moves into the area.

Environment Canada has also issued highway alerts for:

• Coquihalla Highway - Hope to Merritt
• Highway 3 - Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass
• Trans-Canada Highway - Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. You're advised to check DriveBC and Castanet for the latest conditions.