Drought a concern as Okanagan snowpack hits historically low levels

British Columbia’s River Forecast Centre has published its March snow survey and the numbers here in the Okanagan are less than ideal.

According to the data released Tuesday, the Okanagan’s snow pack is at 62% of its normal level as of March 1.

While the province as a whole is at 91% of normal, the Okanagan is one of a small handful of regions with measurements that are concerningly low.

With 80% of BC’s annual snowpack typically having accumulated by March 1, there’s plenty of concern about drought in the Okanagan.

“The Okanagan may be the most susceptible region to upcoming drought,” the March report notes. “It measured all-time record lows at four snow stations on March 1, including two with over 85 years of data.”

Those stations were:

• McCulloch – 62 mm snow water equivalent (69% of normal)
• Postill Lake – 80 mm snow water equivalent (44% of normal)
• Brenda Mine – 160 mm snow water equivalent (54% of normal)
• Islaht Lake – 161 mm snow water equivalent (60% of normal)

The River Forecast Centre is forecasting “well below normal” inflows of between 40-60% for Okanagan, Kalamalka and Wood lakes.

While the March snowpack report paints a dire picture for the Okanagan and a few other regions in BC, spring weather will be a major factor over the coming weeks.

Above seasonal warmth in February didn’t help with drought concerns, but stormy weather through the first week of March provided a much-needed boost to the mountain snowpack.

“Additional snow is expected during the upcoming 10-day forecast, with ongoing widespread storm systems,” the report noted.

Click here to view the full March snow survey.

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