Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adel Ahmed

PROVINCIAL DROUGHT

Provincial government looking at options as drought level rises across parts of B.C.

Jul 13, 2023 | 5:19 PM

KAMLOOPS — Early snowmelt, less than normal precipitation and hot, dry weather have been the cause behind the significant drought levels in B.C. this year.

“What’s unusual this year is how early it is and how widespread it is,” said B.C. River Forecast Centre hydrologist Jonathan Boyd in a press conference. “2021 was quite a dramatic year before the drought really kick started from the heat dome in late June and we thought that was bad.”

Eighteen regions are at a Level Four drought, with Five being the worst. The Cariboo and South Thompson are currently ranked at Level Four, as is the North Thompson.

“The North Thompson near McLure this is just north of Kamloops again showing incredibly low compared to any historical previous flow at this time, it’s at Level Four for the entire North Thompson region.” said Boyd.

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The wildfires and unusual drought level is something General Manager of B.C. Cattlemen Kevin Boon says is a problem for ranchers now and potentially in the winter.

“We’re in a real situation where we’re gonna come up with feed for our animals — and not just in the immediate near future right now with what’s growing but for our winter months as well,” Boon told CFJC Today. “It seems like we’re early in the year. The trouble is with our forages and grasses. If we don’t get that early start and that early growing at the start of it, they’re done for the year. We got a one shot window and we’re missing out on that.”

Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma says although she prefers to work with communities on reducing water use, it’s likely that restrictions could be on the way.

“We prefer to work with communities to implement those restrictions, bring the public along so that they understand why it is that these restrictions are needed,” Ma told CFJC Today. “However, at the same time, we are actively looking at possible orders for water license fees. If required, I know the B.C. energy regulator has already implemented water restrictions for the oil and gas sector. It is likely that more restrictions are on the way.”