File photo. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)
Snowpack Bulletin

Benchmark snowpack survey shows stable conditions in Kamloops and area, split between northern and southern B.C.

Apr 9, 2026 | 10:17 AM

KAMLOOPS — The benchmark survey for assessing seasonal hazards shows a split between northern and southern portions of the province, although snowpack conditions are relatively stable for the Kamloops area.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre’s (BCRFC) latest Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin was released Thursday (April 9) and shows the average snowpack for the North Thompson basin at 115 per cent normal as of April 1. It’s up from 106 per cent of normal as of March 1 and well up from 85 per cent during the same month in 2025. 

The South Thompson basin’s snowpack is 85 per cent normal as of April 1. It’s slightly up from 83 per cent normal as of March 1 and nearly on par with the 86 per cent normal on April 1, 2025.

The BCRFC says snowpack conditions in the South Thompson are likely higher in unmonitored northern, higher elevated portions of the watershed. 

Overall, the provincial snowpack is at 92 per cent normal as of April 1, above the 79 per cent normal recorded at the same time in 2025. It’s a fraction above the 91 per cent normal as of March 1. 

Elsewhere, snowpack for the Middle Fraser basin is at 92 per cent normal as of April 1 – relatively unchanged from the 93 per cent recorded as of March 1. However, the Lower Thompson sub-basin substantially dropped again, sitting at 51 per cent normal as of April 1 compared to 71 per cent normal as of March 1. 

The Lower Fraser is also lower at 75 per cent normal as of April 1, down slightly from 77 per cent normal the month prior. 

The BCRFC says nearly 97 per cent of B.C.’s annual mountain snowpack typically accumulates by April 1, establishing seasonal snowpack conditions. 

“Although snowpack conditions are indicative of seasonal hazard, spring weather remains the dominant control on outcomes,” the BCRFC states. “Rapid warming, heavy rainfall, or rain-on-snow events can increase flood hazard, while prolonged warm and dry conditions can exacerbate drought hazard.” 

Based on seasonal outlooks from Environment Canada, the BCRFC says there’s an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across most of B.C. from April to June, notably in the central and southern regions. Seasonal precipitation forecasts are more uncertain. 

Based on current snowpack conditions, the BCRFC says there’s an increased freshet flood hazard for the North Thompson region while the Lower Thompson sub-basin is mor susceptible to drought conditions. The BCRFC adds that lower elevation watersheds throughout the southern Interior have displayed well below normal snowpack conditions and may be masked by the input of higher elevated snow sites.

Another snow bulletin is scheduled to be released between May 8 and 12.

More to come.