Today’s Poll

There's snow on Paulson Summit, Kootenay Pass

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
September 27th, 2019

Thank you, Mother Nature.

Environment Canada said an upper level disturbance has moved from coastal BC south into Washington State bringing a colder airmass to the interior.

The snow level is near 1000 metres this morning bringing the white stuff to many of the southern interior highway passes, including Paulson Summit and Kootenay Pass sections of Highway 3.
Environment Canada said 15 to 20 cm of snow has already accumulated last night and a further 5 to 10 cm is expected through today.

“Additional accumulation of 5 to 10 cm is expected tonight and 5 cm of snow is forecast on Sunday,” Environment Canada said.

“Total accumulations for this storm could top 40 cm.”

A return to drier conditions and more seasonal temperatures is expected early next week.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Know before you go with Shift Into Winter. Adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains.

Road conditions are available at DriveBC

Special weather statement in effect Highway 3, Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass

Say it isn’t so!

Beginning Thursday night, a cold airmass will settle in over the BC Interior and persist through the weekend raising the threat of snow at higher elevations said Environment Canada on its website.

Environment Canada said lowering freezing levels and unsettled conditions will support the chance of white stuff raising havoc on highway driving in higher elevations.

“Kootenay Pass has the potential to see a significant amount of snow during this period,” the Environment Canada website.

“Rain will likely give way to periods of snow near the summit on Friday night and could persist well into Sunday. During this time amounts remain quite uncertain, but snowfall accumulations of 5 to 15 cm are possible by Saturday night.

Environment Canada said lower elevation passes, including Rogers Pass, the Coquihalla Highway – Merritt to Kamloops and the Okanagan Connector, should see snow near the summits beginning Friday with light accumulations possible through the weekend.

Environment Canada areas along the BC – Alberta border are expected to see snow as well.

“In the Elk Valley, freezing levels will hover just above the valley bottom on Friday and drop Friday evening,” Environment Canada said.

“A changeover to snow is likely Friday night with periods of snow possibly persisting through Sunday. Again, accumulations remain uncertain at this time, but 5 to 10 cm by Saturday night is plausible.”

Environment Canada said a return to drier conditions and seasonal temperatures are expected early next week.

Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Road conditions are available at DriveBC.

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