Environment Canada warns of June snow on Kootenay Pass

Environment Canada warns of June snow on Kootenay Pass

Published 12:52 pm Tuesday, June 9, 2026

The Kootenay Pass summit camera is delayed today, June 9. Here’s an image of the Highway 3 cam at the Salmo Creston highway summit, looking east, at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 8. (DriveBC.ca)

While people in the Trail valley are sloshing through rain in galoshes and umbrellas overhead on Tuesday, higher up a different picture is forecast.

According to Environment Canada, commuters travelling Highway 3 through the Kootenay Pass area could encounter snow and reduced visibility beginning Tuesday afternoon as a weather system moves across southern British Columbia.

The weather agency issued a special weather statement the morning of June 9 warning that trace amounts to four centimetres of snow are possible at higher elevations, including Kootenay Pass and Pennask Summit.

Forecasters say an upper disturbance moving into the region will lower snow levels to about 1,700 metres.

Kootenay Pass is expected to be the most likely location to see snow accumulation Tuesday evening, while Pennask Summit could receive snow overnight.

Environment Canada warned that visibility may be reduced at times and travel conditions could deteriorate quickly.

Drivers are being urged to allow extra travel time and prepare for changing mountain weather conditions.

The weather agency noted that mountain conditions can change suddenly and create hazardous driving conditions.

Current road conditions and travel advisories are available through DriveBC.

The special weather statement remains in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday.