Summer has arrived in the East Kootenay in a foul mood.

Environment Canada has today issued special weather statements for the Columbia and Elk Valley areas and Kootenay Pass, warning of periods of heavy rain in the valleys and the potential for snow in the high country.

Total rainfall amounts near 40 mm is forecast from now through this later afternoon.

“An upper disturbance is bringing periods of heavy rain to southeastern British Columbia. Over Yoho Park – Kootenay Park, heavy rain will ease this morning. For East Kootenay north and Elk Valley, periods of heavy rain will persist through this afternoon,” Environment Canada stated.

As of noon (June 21) some snow has fallen in the Elkford area, as per DriveBC cameras.

Additionally, Environment Canada is warning about possible wet snow through this afternoon along Highway 3 – Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.

“Because of the convective nature of the system, snow levels may temporarily lower to 1,600-2,000 metres as intense bands of precipitation move through. Snowfall accumulations will be highly variable depending on elevation. Trace to four cm can be expected through this afternoon.”

Sudden heavy downpours and heavy rainfall rates may cause localized flooding/water pooling on roads, and landslides or debris flows from vulnerable landscapes (e.g. burn scars). If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions. Road conditions are available at drivebc.ca.

The constant rain falling throughout the entire region is expected to slow down around midnight, with Sunday being a bit warmer with 60% chance of showers.

Lead image: Elkford earlier today, as per DriveBC cameras. At this time the Kootenay Pass camera is off line. DriveBC photo

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