A critical transportation corridor in British Columbia has resumed operations after a significant closure over the weekend. Highway 3 at Kootenay Pass was shut down on Saturday night to allow crews to safely remove avalanche deposits from the roadway.
Safety Closure for Avalanche Mitigation
The proactive closure was implemented to ensure the safety of both maintenance workers and the travelling public. Crews used the window of an empty highway to clear accumulated snow and debris that posed a potential avalanche risk to the pass. The shutdown lasted for several hours on January 10, 2026, before the all-clear was given and traffic was allowed to flow once more.
Importance of the Highway 3 Corridor
Highway 3 serves as a vital east-west link through the challenging terrain of southern British Columbia. Closures on this route, especially during winter months, can significantly disrupt commercial transport and isolate communities. The decision to close the pass is never taken lightly and is based on assessments from avalanche forecasters and highway engineers.
Such controlled closures are a standard part of winter maintenance in B.C.'s mountain passes. They allow teams to perform necessary mitigation work without the danger of traffic moving through active work zones where controlled avalanches may be triggered or where heavy equipment is operating.
Ongoing Winter Travel Advisories
While this specific incident has been resolved, drivers are reminded that winter conditions in the region remain dynamic. Other weather-related advisories were in effect across Canada at the time, including warnings for freezing rain in southwestern Ontario and a significant snowfall forecast for Ottawa.
Travellers using mountain highways are strongly encouraged to check current road conditions and forecasts before departure. Resources like DriveBC provide real-time updates on closures, chain-up requirements, and weather alerts for all provincial highways.
