File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

SNOWPACK CONDITIONS

Snowpack conditions down across the province, mostly unchanged near Kamloops

May 22, 2025 | 11:08 AM

VICTORIA — Snow conditions are mostly unchanged in the North and South Thompson basins.

According to the latest Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin from the BC River Forecast Centre (BCRFC), the North and South Thompson basins showed readings of 78 and 69 per cent of normal, respectively, as of May 15. That’s slightly down from 84 and 72 per cent respectively as of May 1.

Elsewhere in the Kamloops area, Middle Fraser basin sits at 27 per cent of normal as of May 15, notably down from 51 per cent two weeks prior. The Lower Fraser dropped from 76 per cent of normal as of May 1 to 61 per cent as of May 15. The Lower Thompson dropped to zero per cent of normal as of May 1 and remains that way.

Image credit: BC River Forecast Centre

B.C.’s average snowpack sits at 61 per cent of normal as of May 15, down from 71 per cent two weeks prior. It’s nearly identical to the 57 per cent of normal as of May 15, 2024.

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The BCRFC says 36 per cent of the province’s seasonal snowpack has melted and snowmelt rates have slowed in mid-May due to slightly below seasonal temperatures.

While higher elevated snowpacks are trending toward a delayed snowmelt, the BCRFC says the well below normal snowpack indicated a low risk for freshet flooding. However, the risk of local flooding due to extreme rainfall is still possible.

“There are concerns for drought this season throughout the province due to long-term precipitation deficits, low snowpack and seasonal weather forecasts. Spring weather will continue to play an important role in summer drought conditions,” the BCRFC states.

There are two Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletins remaining in the season, with the next one set to be released on June 9 or 10.