Local highways contractor YRB was reporting extreme snowfall at higher elevations Sunday and the regional fire department in Trail called for people to stay off the mountain passes as winter returns.
Up to 30 cms snow was reported by Sunday afternoon on Kootenay Pass with up to another 35 cms expected Sunday night early Monday morning. It was not  immediately clear how much snow had fallen on Paulson Pass.
Highway 3 over Kootenay Pass has slushy sections beginning at 900 – 1000 meters and higher elevations are compact. The temperatures at the summit are hovering around zero with moderate to heavy snowfall.
Due to the temperatures and heavy snowfall extreme winter driving conditions are in effect above 1000 meters. Visibility is reduced due to heavy snowfall and fog is persistent due to temperature fluctuations.
Allow extra time if your schedule includes travel over higher elevation passes and please drive with caution, be prepared for highway maintenance plow trucks and sanders and allow them plenty of room to keep the roads cleared.
YRB said they would be out around the clock tonight patrolling / sanding / salting / plowing as conditions warrant.
For current driving conditions please go to www.drivebc.ca